ADDIS ABABA – November 12, 2024 (NIPN-Ethiopia) - Employees of the Nutrition, Environmental Health and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate (NEHNCDRD) have recognized Dr. Masresha Tessema for his exemplary contributions to the directorate and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) as a whole.
Dr. Getachew Tollera, Deputy Director General of EPHI remarked that Dr. Masresha’s recognition is valued not only within the EPHI but also at the national level. He noted that this recognition encourages other directorates to strive for excellence. “Other directorates have much to learn from Dr. Masresha. He is dedicated, capable of handling any task assigned to him. This acknowledgement extends beyond the NEHNCDRD to the entire EPHI. Every time someone is recognized, the name of EPHI shines. This award belongs to all employees of the directorate. The nutrition team should be proud of Dr. Masresha,” he said.
At the half-day event held at the premises of EPHI on 11 November 2024, Dr. Getachew presented Dr. Masresha with gifts and awards for recognition, including a medal and certificate awards bestowed by the Ministry of Health, during the recent Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Ministry of Health in Arba-Minch Town, South Ethiopia.
Speaking on behalf of NEHNCDRD, Dr. Endale Amare, Division Head within the Directorate, stated that Dr. Masresha, currently serving as Director of the NEHNCDRD, has demonstrated exemplary leadership worthy of recognition.
“Dr. Masresha’s active involvement across multiple areas-such as the steering committee member of the micronutrient data alliance and National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN-Ethiopia), developing the institute’s 10-year strategic plan and new structure implemented in 2024, project administration such as Food and Nutrition Strategy Baseline Survey, double fortification of salt, Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation and Enabling Environments for NCD risk reduction in Ethiopia (ENABLE projects), expanding PhD-level educational opportunity for the directorate’s employees, and involvement in the re-establishing Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia (FONSE) and being elected as a president of the Society- serves as an exemplary model for other directorates,” said Dr. Endale.
Dr. Assefa Deresa, advisor to Deputy Director General, stated at the event that Dr. Masresha deserves the recognition. “He is a hard-working colleague and I appreciate the initiative taken to honor his achievements,” he said.
Dr. Geremew Tassew Director of Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate with EPHI stated that Dr. Masresha is a true asset to EPHI. “He is sincere and well-deserving of this recognition. Dr. Masresha inspires others to reach their full potential,” Dr. Geremew said.
Dr. Masresha Tessema expressed his gratitude for the initiative to recognize his work, noting that the award reflects a collective effort. “This recognition is the result of our shared dedication and trust. It is a contribution from all employees, achieved through mutual support and team work,” he said.
Dr. Masresha also acknowledged that greater expectations lie ahead for him and his team. “There are challenges and to overcome them, we must strive even harder,” he said.
He further expressed appreciation for the leadership’s support. “Without positive collaboration from the leadership, our efforts would not have been successful. Their trust in us has encouraged us to excel in every endeavor,” he stated. (NIPN-Ethiopia).
