Dr. Desalegn Mengesha Degefaw holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Addis Ababa University and has a distinguished career in higher education and global health. He previously served as the President of the University of Gondar, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement. His leadership at the university significantly contributed to its growth and development.

Currently, Dr. Desalegn serves as the Associate Regional Director for The Ohio State University’s Global One Health Initiative, Eastern Africa Regional Office, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and public health, he is dedicated to improving health outcomes through integrated approaches that address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in Eastern Africa.