Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty Member

Mesfin Zbelo

Research Interests

Research Interests

• Perinatal and maternal health systems with a focus on intrapartum care innovations, stillbirth prevention, and quality of care
• Primary Health Care (PHC) strengthening as a foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health equity across diverse settings
• Implementation science in real-world policy and program contexts, including workforce models, digital innovations, and community-based strategies
• Health policy and systems research (HPSR) across both low-resource and transitioning health systems
• Equity-oriented health financing, including financial protection, strategic purchasing, and efficiency in health spending
• Global health governance and partnerships, with a focus on multisectoral accountability and health system performance

1. Education & Training History

PhD in Perinatal Health Care, Health Policy and Research
University of Walden, USA (2022)
Dissertation: A Quasi-Experimental Study to Improve Perinatal Health Outcomes

MSc in Health Economics & Social Health Policy
University of Cape Town, South Africa (2011)

MSc in Epidemiology of Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health
University of Dublin in collaboration with LSHTM, UK (2001)

MD (Doctor of Medicine)
Addis Ababa University, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Ethiopia (1994)

Additional Postgraduate Training:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Qualitative Research – Umea University, Sweden
• Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Obstetrics & Neonatology – Addis Ababa University
• WHO Certificate in Digital Health Tools & ICD-11 – 2025

2. Primary Teaching Responsibilities

• Teaching and mentorship in Global Health Policy, Health Systems Strengthening, and Implementation Science
• Supervision of graduate research on topics including perinatal health, maternal and newborn care, and PHC transformation in low-resource settings
• Contributor to professional development modules on equity-based planning, health governance, and digital innovations in health
• Engagement in joint research and policy translation with public health institutions in Africa and globally

3. Representative Publications

1. Zbelo, M.G. (2022). A Quasi-Experimental Study to Improve Perinatal Health Outcomes. Doctoral Dissertation, Walden University.
   – Highlights innovation in perinatal health and implementation science in low-resource settings.
2. Kågesten, A.E., Zbelo, M., et al. (2023). Feasibility of priority indicators for adolescent health measurement: A 12-country mixed-methods study. Journal of Adolescent Health.
   – Demonstrates global research engagement and mixed-methods expertise.
3. Zbelo, M., et al. (2023). Workload indicators of staffing need (WISN): Application in primary health care in Lesotho. Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics & Mother Health.
   – Shows health systems strengthening and workforce planning experience.
4. Zbelo, M. (2023). Assessing Lesotho’s financial burden of household payments and access to healthcare. International Journal of Health Policy and Planning.
   – Reflects your expertise in health economics and health policy.
5. Zbelo, M., et al. (2022). Health workforce supply needs and feasibility in Lesotho: A labor market analysis. BMJ Global Health.
   – Demonstrates systems-level analysis and engagement with global journals.