Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma is a seasoned public health expert and researcher with over 16 years of experience in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), epidemiology, and health communication. He holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Communication and Health Behavior. Dr. Bulcha has contributed to more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on digital health innovations, behavior change communication, and health system strengthening. His work integrates practical field experience with academic research, having served in various roles including PHEOC Coordinator, RMNCH Expert, and consultant for organizations like KOICA, KOFIH, and IMCHA. He is also recognized for mentoring young epidemiologists and developing mobile health tools such as the Ulfamijuu messaging platform. With a multidisciplinary background and a commitment to evidence-based interventions, Dr. Bulcha stands out as a leader driving impactful public health research and innovation in Ethiopia and beyond.
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Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma has pursued a multidisciplinary academic journey grounded in public health and social sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Haramaya University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work from Jimma University. He further advanced his expertise by earning a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Jimma University, where he developed a strong foundation in disease surveillance and health data analytics. Currently, Dr. Bulcha is a PhD candidate in Health Communication and Health Behavior at Jimma University, where his research focuses on innovative communication strategies to improve maternal and child health outcomes. His academic pursuits are deeply aligned with his professional commitments, equipping him with the theoretical and methodological tools to address complex public health challenges. His educational background reflects a unique blend of technical, behavioral, and communication expertise, making him well-suited for interdisciplinary health research and interventions.
With over 16 years of progressive experience, Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha has held a range of pivotal roles in public health. He has served as a Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) Coordinator, leading epidemic surveillance and response, while mentoring Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) residents. From 2016 to 2019, he worked as an RMNCH Expert, coordinating maternal-child health programs, WASH interventions, and behavioral change communication initiatives. Earlier roles include HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Malaria Coordinator, and Maternal & Child Health Expert, all contributing to his rich operational background. He has also worked with international partners as a consultant or project management member in organizations like KOICA, KOFIH, ABH, and IMCHA. Dr. Bulcha has managed several large-scale public health projects and has delivered capacity-building trainings, campaign coordination, and strategic planning, demonstrating leadership across policy, research, and community-based implementation. His career showcases a deep integration of practice, mentorship, and policy-level influence.
Dr. Bulcha’s research interests center on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), health communication, mobile health (mHealth) technologies, and epidemiology. He is particularly passionate about leveraging digital platforms to improve health behaviors and service utilization, as evidenced by his recent work on developing the Ulfamijuu mobile messaging software. His research also explores health systems strengthening, community engagement, and the use of spatial analysis and mixed-methods studies to understand public health barriers and enablers. He has contributed to more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals, with topics ranging from mobile messaging interventions to health information systems and social determinants of health. His research frequently adopts a user-centered design approach, ensuring that interventions are practical and culturally appropriate. Dr. Bulcha’s focus on integrating technology with behavioral science reflects a forward-thinking and impactful research agenda, tailored to address public health challenges in low-resource settings like Ethiopia.
While specific formal awards are not detailed in the available documentation, Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma’s recognition stems from his extensive contributions to high-impact public health research and programs. He has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on numerous funded projects supported by international organizations such as KOFIH, KOICA, and IMCHA, which in itself reflects trust in his leadership and research capabilities. His peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as BMJ Open, BMC Public Health, and JMIR Research Protocols highlight the academic community’s acknowledgment of his work. Additionally, his continuous invitations to contribute as a consultant, trainer, and lead researcher on national and international projects stand as informal honors affirming his expertise. His selection to present at the 35th EPHA Annual Conference and his leadership in developing mobile health technologies further signify his status as an innovator and leader in Ethiopian public health research.
Dr. Gebeyehu Bulcha Duguma exemplifies the qualities of a transformative public health leader and researcher. With a multidisciplinary educational background, hands-on experience across multiple domains of public health, and a strong research portfolio, he has made significant contributions to improving health outcomes in Ethiopia. His work on mobile health interventions, capacity building, and community health systems bridges the gap between research and practical implementation. He stands out for his ability to integrate epidemiological rigor with innovative communication strategies, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of public health programs. Through numerous collaborations with international organizations, he has demonstrated leadership, innovation, and sustained impact in the field. Dr. Bulcha is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, not only for the volume and quality of his research but also for its relevance, scalability, and alignment with global health priorities. His career reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice and a vision for health equity and innovation.
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Title: A quality assessment of Health Management Information System (HMIS) data for maternal and child health in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: M Ouedraogo, J Kurji, L Abebe, R Labonté, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 88
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Title: Factors associated with maternity waiting home use among women in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a multilevel cross-sectional analysis
Authors: J Kurji, LA Gebretsadik, MA Wordofa, M Sudhakar, Y Asefa, G Kiros, G Bulcha, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 53
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Title: Effectiveness of upgraded maternity waiting homes and local leader training on improving institutional births: a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: J Kurji, LA Gebretsadik, MA Wordofa, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
Year: 2020
Citations: 26
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Title: Utilization of key preventive measures for pregnancy complications and malaria among women in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: M Ouedraogo, J Kurji, L Abebe, R Labonté, S Morankar, KH Bedru, G Bulcha, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 14
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Title: Uncovering spatial variation in maternal healthcare service use at subnational level in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: J Kurji, B Talbot, G Bulcha, KH Bedru, S Morankar, LA Gebretsadik, et al.
Year: 2020
Citations: 12
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Title: Maternal social support and health facility delivery in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: A Mamo, M Abera, L Abebe, N Bergen, S Asfaw, G Bulcha, Y Asefa, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 8
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Title: Effectiveness of a Mobile Phone Messaging–Based Message Framing Intervention for Improving Maternal Health Service Uptake and Newborn Care Practice in Rural Jimma Zone
Authors: G Bulcha, HG Abdissa, J Noll, DA Sori, ZB Koricha
Year: 2024
Citations: 4
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Title: Community’s knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study
Authors: D Abdissa, Y Kebede, M Sudhakar, G Abraham, G Bulcha, T Shiferaw, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 4
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Title: Prevalence and Predictors of Contraceptive Use Among Women of Premenopausal Period in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Data Analysis
Authors: D Geleta, A Kebede, G Bulcha, H Usman, K Hajibediru, S Kebede, et al.
Year: 2021
Citations: 4
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Title: Spatial variability in factors influencing maternal health service use in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a geographically-weighted regression analysis
Authors: J Kurji, C Thickstun, G Bulcha, M Taljaard, Z Li, MA Kulkarni
Year: 2021
Citations: 3
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Title: Effectiveness of Integrated Social and Behavior Change Communication Interventions in Mass Drug Administration Campaigns in Enhancing Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preventive Practices
Authors: D Abdissa, Y Kebede, S Morankar, G Abraham, G Bulcha, T Shiferaw, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
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Title: Maternal health service utilization in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: results from a baseline study for mobile phone messaging interventions
Authors: G Bulcha, H Gutema, D Amenu, Z Birhanu
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
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Title: Exploring religious leaders’ experiences and challenges on childbirth at health institutions. A qualitative study
Authors: L Abebe, Z Birhanu, N Bergen, G Bulcha, K Haji, M Kulkarni, J Kurji, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 2
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Title: Barriers to use of institutional childbirth services: A qualitative study in the rural Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: LA Gebretsadik, F Lakew, A Mamo, M Abera, KH Bediru, G Bulcha, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
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Title: Maternal Social Support and Determinants of Health Facility Delivery in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: A Mamo, M Abera, L Abebe, N Bergen, S Asfaw, G Bulcha, Y Asefa, et al.
Year: 2021
Citations: 1