Sirak Tesfamariam Habtemikael

Sirak Tesfamariam Habtemikael is pursuing an MSc in Translational Health Sciences at the Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford. He is a Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholar and a member of Harris Manchester College.

Sirak is a pharmacist, clinical and public health researcher, and medical products regulator from Eritrea. He has a diverse background, having worked as a hospital pharmacist in a remote health facility where he implemented projects in resource-constrained settings. He later served as a unit head at the National Medicines and Food Administration in Eritrea, leading the evaluation of the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and medical devices. Additionally, he acted as the World Health Organization (WHO) focal point for Eritrea in medical products regulation, focusing on ensuring access to quality-assured medicines for universal health coverage.

An accomplished researcher, Sirak has published over 10 original research articles in peer-reviewed international journals, specializing in antimicrobial stewardship, medicines safety, and health systems strengthening. He is also an active volunteer, contributing to organizations such as Eritrean Pharmacist Connections (EriPCo) and the National Voluntary Blood Donors’ Association of Eritrea.

Sirak holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Asmara College of Health Sciences, graduating with ‘Very Great Distinction,’ and is a fellow of the International Program in Public Health Leadership.