Program Rational

Psychiatry nursing department trains psychiatry professionals to meet the high level of need that currently exists in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been suffering from a wide range of mental health problems. Ethiopia facing the triple burden of diseases such as infectious or communicable, noncommunicable and injuries.   Moreover, the effects of financial instability, lifestyle changes, social isolation, natural disasters, wars, and rapid urban growth and overcrowding all together increases the prevalence of mental disorders resulted in an increased demand for mental health care.

In response to the public’s high demand for mental health care, the government of Ethiopia highly committed to expand mental health service and fulfil the shortage of mental health professionals throughout the country. Mental health is categorized as one of public health importance diseases and one of component of primary health care (PHC). Ethiopia identified it as one of the priorities in its policies and strategies.

The proportion of highly qualified mental health professionals is very low compared to the size of the population served. This situation requires the increased training of appropriately trained psychiatrist some key issues remain: training of psychiatrist takes a long period of time and is too expensive. This situation requires training of psychiatry graduate (BSc Level) in adequate number.  Therefore, training of BSc in psychiatry is found more feasible and cost effective in solving common mental health problems of the population in Ethiopia.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Candidates must be a natural science (biology, chemistry, general sciences) student and fulfill the following criteria;
• Meet the set criteria by the Ministry of Education for degree students to join higher learning institution.
• Be physically fit (at least the candidate should be physically healthy capable of undertaking the four techniques of diagnosis of disease in clinical medicine i.e inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation) and not having hearing problem.
• Female candidates will be encouraged
• Preferably, those who have interest to choose the profession.

Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Program

Vision

• The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professional Psychiatric and who will provide the highest quality of patient care that truly makes a difference in patients’ lives.

Mission

• To produce competent and innovative psychiatry nurses in various disciplines through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer and community services and promote good governance to the development endeavors.

Aim of the Program

• To produce competent, compassionate, innovative and committed psychiatry nurses who undertake preventive, curative and rehabilitative mental health services compatible to the needs of the population and that would meet the present and future priority mental health needs of the Ethiopian population and fulfil international professional standards.

Objectives of Psychiatry Nursing Program

Prepare competent and motivated psychiatry nurse who are able to:

• Apply legal and professional ethics
• Communicate, collaborate and work with people
• Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in mental health services
• Promote mental health and prevent mental illness
• Provide mental health rehabilitation service
• Provide mental health curative service
• Participate in community mental health service
• Participate in teaching-learning and research activities and community activities
• Lead and manage health service

Department of Psychiatric Nursing has been training in two post basic programs in order to achieve its mission in the field of health since 2010, at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, in the Western part of Ethiopia. When this department is set up, it is in line with the vision and mission of Wallaga University and to meet the need for mental health professionals to work in the different parts of the country by providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the community.

The program began with two and half year post basic training programs in post basic psychiatry nursing and post basic ophthalmic nursing for three consecutive batches to address some of the demand of mental health professionals and ophthalmic nursing professionals in the country. Currently, after the cessation of the post basic training, our department started training of BSc in psychiatry undergraduate program to fulfil some gaps of middle level of mental health professionals.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY NURSING                                       

                 ሳይካትሪ  ነርሲንግ ትምህርት ክፍል

Overview

Department of Psychiatric Nursing was established in 2015 as a unit under Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. The goal of this particular programs is to prepare a competent professional nurse and to provide a foundation for under graduate education programs in Psychiatry. Training of these specialty nurses is found more feasible and effective in solving common mental health problems of the population. Mental health workers describe misconceptions as a challenge in mental health conditions. The future of psychiatric nursing depends on the social, cultural and financial background of each community. Our department maintains a commitment to professionalism through reflective and systematic evaluation of practice and ongoing professional growth.

The PON department previously had two programs under it. This meant that the program was psychiatry nursing and ophthalmic nursing.

These two programs were under school of nursing and midwifery. According to the department, expatriate instructors recruited from abroad were continued to teach until the end of 2024.In the meantime, the department of psychiatry nursing has become independent in 2025 and has started training 40 generic students.

The first department head was Mr. Eba Abdisa (June,30/2018 to June 15/2019) after he becomes school dean.  Mr. Hunduma Gelalcha (June,16/2019- January,26/2021) led the department until he left for his postgraduate study. Thirdly Mr. Mesfin Dabasa was in charge of the department head (January,27/2021 to January,26/2023). Currently, Mr. Workineh Bekele (January, 27/2023 till date) is acting as department head.

Name: Bruck Tesfaye

Mobile phone: +251913279855/+251923342550
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Institutional email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University
 Department/Team: Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing
 Field of Specialization:

• BSc in Nursing
• MSc in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing

The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing at Wallaga University is dedicated to addressing Ethiopia’s urgent need for child and newborn health professionals. Health is humanity’s greatest asset, and the well-being of children is the foundation of a nation’s future. Yet, Ethiopia, like many African countries, faces a shortage and inequitable distribution of trained pediatric and neonatal nurses.

Studies highlight critical gaps: only 12.9% of nurses in Ethiopia are pediatric specialists, knowledge and practice in pediatric pain management remain inadequate, and most hospitals lack sufficient neonatal intensive care staff. These challenges contribute to high rates of preventable neonatal and childhood illness and mortality. Our department is committed to closing these gaps by training competent, compassionate, and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses, while also advancing research, technology, and community service.

We call upon governmental and non-governmental partners, academic institutions, and development organizations to collaborate with us in strengthening child and newborn health services across Ethiopia. Together, we can ensure that every child survives, thrives, and reaches their full potential.

“Caring for children today, building a healthier Ethiopia tomorrow.”

With my best regards,

Research Interest:

Neonatal, Pediatrics, Maternal, and Health-Related Topics.       

List of Publications

1. BT Legesse, NM Abera, TG Alemu, KA Atalell (2023). Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates with respiratory distress syndrome admitted at West Oromia Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. Multi-centred institution based retrospective follow-up study. PLOS ONE, 18 (8), e0289050. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289050
2. BT Legesse, WT Wondie, GD Gedefaw, YT Workineh, BL Seifu (2024). Coutilisation of oral rehydration solution and zinc for treating diarrhoea and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa: a multilevel robust Poisson regression. BMJ Open, 14 (3), e079618. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079618
3. BT Legesse, WT Wondie, WM Mekonen, GB Mekonnin (2025). Predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with hypothermia and respiratory distress syndrome at West Oromia tertiary hospitals, Retrospective Follow-up Study, 2023. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 31 (3), 101673. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101673
4. GB Dibera, MA Yizengaw, GL Yadeta, DD Iticha, B Gamachu, BT Legesse (2024). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of traumatic brain injury in patients admitted to surgical ward of Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: a prospective observational follow-up study. BMJ Open, 14 (2), e080598. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080598
5. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, AT Abate, WT Wondie, ZA Gebreegzabiher, ... (2024). Incidence of acute kidney injury and its predictors among neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit of, Northwest Ethiopia comprehensive specialized hospitals, 2023. BMC Pediatrics, 24 (1), 717. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05147-6
6. DT Kubura, GB Mekonnen, HD Nigisi, T Shibiru, BT Legesse (2025). Incidence and predictors of mortality among children admitted to intensive care unit in tertiary hospitals of West Oromia, Ethiopia. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 83, 160-167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.001
7. BL Seifu, BT Legesse, TZ Yehuala, BF Kase, ZA Asmare, GF Mulaw, ... (2024). Factors associated with the co-utilization of oral rehydration solution and zinc for treating diarrhea among under-five children in 35 sub-saharan Africa countries: a generalized linear mixed-effect modeling with robust error variance. BMC Public Health, 24 (1), 1329. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18827-w
8. WT Wondie, BT Legesse, GB Mekonnen, GT Degaga, AB Zemariam, ... (2023). Incidence and predictors of respiratory distress syndrome among low birth weight neonates in the first seven days in Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals. BMJ Open, 13 (11), e079063. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079063
9. BL Seifu, KU Mare, BT Legesse, TM Tebeje (2024). Double burden of malnutrition and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis. BMJ Open, 14 (2), e073447. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073447
10. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, YS Endeshaw, MA Birhan, ME Ayenew, ... (2024). Incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury among asphyxiated neonates in comprehensive specialized hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, 2023. Scientific Reports, 14 (1), 16480. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66242-3
11. BL Seifu, HA Asebe, BT Legesse, GF Mulaw, TM Tebeje, KU Mare (2024). Prognostic factors of first intimate partner violence among ever-married women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Gompertz gamma shared frailty modeling. PLOS ONE, 19 (5), e0303187. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303187
12. BL Seifu, GA Tesema, T Tebeje, BT Legesse, TZ Yehuala, AG Wuneh, ... (2024). Determinants of normal haemoglobin concentration among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Positive deviance inquiry using cross-sectional study design. BMJ Open, 14 (4), e074477. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074477
13. GB Mekonnen, BT Legesse, FD Baye, WT Wondie (2025). Incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors among children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a multicentre institution-based retrospective follow-up study. BMJ Open, 15 (2), e093808. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093808
14. GB Mekonnen, FD Baye, G Kerebeh, MM Fekadie, YT Kassie, TA Demile, ... (2024). Predictors for the incidence of pneumonia among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia: a multicenter study. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 50 (1), 165. DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01695-w
15. TB Itana, A Tadelle, BT Legesse, AM Hailu, ST Abebe (2024). Circadian blood pressure variability and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients at Nekemte Town public Hospitals, West Oromia, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 14 (8), e083014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083014
16. WM Mekonen, WE Ebi, BW Efa, AZ Kumbi, GG Tolera, AT Haile, BM Jima, ... (2025). Nurses knowledge about and attitude toward pediatrics pain management in public hospitals in Nekemte City, Ethiopia 2023. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 84, 74-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.013
17. WT Wondie, CA Wubneh, BT Legesse, ST Mamo, YT Tsehay, ... (2025). Incidence of early neonatal sepsis and its predictor among low birthweight neonates in Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, A retrospective follow-up study, 2024. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 31 (3), 101636. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101636
18. GB Mekonnen, BA Tilaye, FD Baye, D Kefale, M Ewunetu, TM Aytenew, ... (2025). Incidence and predictors of lost to follow up among children receiving antiretroviral therapy: a competing risks regression model. Scientific Reports, 15 (1), 17447. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02645-0
19. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, DT Daka, WT Wondie, AT Gonete, FB Getaneh, ... (2025). Author Correction: Time to recovery and its predictors among neonates undergone phototherapy at Comprehensive Specialized hospitals of the Northwest Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 15, 15106. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-02595-2
20. GB Mekonnen, WT Wondie, BT Legesse, NM Abera, AG Abuhay, ... (2025). Recovery rate of severe acute malnutrition and its predictors among children admitted to therapeutic feeding unit in Northcentral Ethiopia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98582-z
21. GB Mekonnen, S Mulatu, BT Legesse, MA Messelu, FD Baye, BA Tilaye, ... (2025). Incidence of mortality and its predictors among HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy in Amhara region: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 51 (1), 68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-025-01872-5
22. DT Daka, B Wakuma, W Etafa, D Temesgen Chewaka, A Zewdie, ... (2025). Community-based newborn care utilization and associated factors in Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. BMC Pediatrics, 25 (1), 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05337-2
23. WT Wondie, CA Wubneh, BT Legesse, GB Mekonen, AB Zemariam, ... (2025). Mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 20 (1), e0317048. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317048
24. GD Gedefaw, AM Lakew, ZA Gebreegzabiher, DT Daka, MK Hailu, ... (2024). Number of Seizures and Associated Factors Among Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Selected Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals of Ethiopia. Research and Reports in Neonatology, 97-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/RRN.S451450
25. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, DT Daka, WT Wondie, AT Gonete, FB Getaneh, ... (2024). Time to recovery and its predictors among neonates undergone phototherapy at Comprehensive Specialized hospitals of the Northwest Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 14 (1), 31665. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80964-4
26. GD Gedefaw, DT Worku, ME Ayenew, AT Abate, BT Legesse (2024). Congenital Plasmodium vivax in a 3-day-old neonate: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 18 (1), 558. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04879-4

Applicants must:

• Have a natural science background
• Meet the Ministry of Education criteria for entry into degree-level programs.
• Be physically fit, capable of undertaking essential clinical diagnostic techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), and free from hearing impairments.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrate motivation and genuine interest in pursuing a career in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing

Vision

☞ The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professionals of  Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses who will deliver the highest quality of care, ensuring healthier lives and brighter futures for children and newborns.

Mission

☞ To produce competent and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer, and community services; and promoting good governance in alignment with national development priorities.

Aim of the Program

☞ To produce competent, compassionate, innovative, and committed pediatric and neonatal nurses who undertake preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services tailored to the needs of Ethiopia’s population, while meeting both present and future national priorities and international professional standards.

Objectives of the department

• Prepare competent and motivated pediatric and neonatal nurses who are able to:
  • Apply legal and professional ethics in clinical practice
  • Communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with patients, families, and communities
  • Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in child and newborn health care
  • Promote child health and prevent neonatal and pediatric illnesses
  • Provide neonatal intensive care and pediatric curative services
  • Deliver rehabilitation services for children with chronic or developmental conditions
  • Participate actively in community-based child and maternal health programs
  • Engage in teaching, learning, research, and community outreach activities
  • Lead and manage child and newborn health services in various health care settings Program Rational
• The government of Ethiopia has identified maternal, neonatal, and child health as a national priority and integrated it into primary health care strategies. However, the proportion of highly qualified pediatric and neonatal professionals remains extremely low compared to the country’s population size. Therefore, the training of BSc-level Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses is a more feasible and cost-effective approach to meeting the urgent needs of the population, reducing child mortality, and advancing Ethiopia’s health system.

The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, has been a pioneer in advancing child and neonatal health education since its establishment in 2010^E.C. The department was founded in alignment with the vision and mission of Wallaga University, with the core aim of addressing the critical shortage of pediatric and neonatal health professionals across Ethiopia. Its mandate is to prepare highly skilled nurses capable of delivering preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services that improve the health and survival of children and newborns nationwide.

Academic Programs

The department offers a comprehensive suite of programs that cater to different levels of professional development:

1. Post-Basic in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
2. Post-Basic in Neonatal Health Nursing
3. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
4. Master of Science (MSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing

Program Duration

• Post-Basic Programs: Two and a half years
• Undergraduate Generic BSc Program: Four years
• Postgraduate MSc Program: Two years

Achievements

Since its inception, the department has successfully graduated five cohorts of post-basic students and two cohorts of postgraduate (MSc) students. The generic undergraduate program is currently in its second year of training, with growing enrollment and demand.

Through these programs, the department continues to fulfill its mission of producing competent, compassionate, and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses who are equipped to address Ethiopia’s pressing child and newborn health challenges.

DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS AND NEONATAL NURSING                                                                       

                 ፔዲያትሪክስ እና ኒኦናታል ነርሲንግ ት/ ክፍል

Overview

• The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing was established in 2010 ^C. as a unit under the Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery at Wallaga University. Since its inception, the department has been dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of professionals in pediatric and neonatal health services by producing competent nurses who can provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care to children and newborns.
• Initially, the department launched two-and-a-half-year post-basic training programs in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing. This initiative was designed to respond to the urgent demand for specialized child health and neonatal nursing professionals across the country. Including the post-basic training programs, the department started training BSc in Pediatrics and child health undergraduates, thereby addressing gaps in the middle level of child and newborn health professionals.
• The department has maintained its commitment to Wallaga University’s vision and mission by producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses capable of serving diverse communities in Ethiopia. Training of these specialty nurses has proven to be both feasible and effective in reducing preventable neonatal and childhood illnesses and mortality.

Leadership History

• Werku Etafa (2010-2011 ^E.C), the first department head.
• Bizuneh Wakuma (2012-2015 ^E.C) led until leaving for postgraduate study.
• Bruck Tesfaye (2015-Present) is currently leading the department.

Name. Dabala Daraje Mitiku

Qualification: BSc Midwifery

Interested research area: Maternal and New born care research area.

Contact Address

Mobile phone: +251924103590

Institutional Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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      Name: Yohannes Mekonen Abdissa

     College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University
      Department/Team: Midwifery

      Qualification: BSc Midwifery

      Research areas: maternal and child health

      Contact Address           

      Phone number: 0937876199/0941786652

     Personal email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Institutional email: yohannes This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohannis-mekonen-588973311  

            Name: Tomas Endalu Nagasa

            College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University
            Department/Team: Midwifery

            Qualification: BSc Midwifery

             Research Areas: SRH, Maternal, Child health and Health related issues

 Mobile Phone: +251934054318

Institutional email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 Name: Belay Geramu Bekala

               College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University

               Department/Team: Midwifery

               Research Areas/Interests: Maternal and Child Health

Mobile Phone: - +251925933201

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Personal Email: - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Name: Yohannes Gelana Digilu

       College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University

        Department/Team: Midwifery

       Qualification: BSc in Midwifery

 Publication list

1. Compliance with ≥ 8 antenatal care contacts and its associated factors among postnatal women attending public health facilities in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-08223-6

Contact Address

Mobile Phone: +251917624804

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Personal Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohannes-gelana         

         Name: Wakuma Imiru Lelisa

        College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University

        Department/Team: Midwifery

        Qualification: BSc in Midwifery

Institutional email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mobile Phone: +251939682617