Name: Emebet Bobo Berkessa
  College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University
  Department/Team: Pediatrics and neonatal Nursing
  Field of Specialization: Pediatrics and child health Nursing

• BSc in Neonatal Nursing
• MSc in Pediatrics and Child health Nursing

Research Interest: Child Health Related Topics.

List of publications

• Undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0310225

• Dietary diversity and associated factors among adolescent girls (ongoing )

Contact Address: 

Mobile phone: +251911126654
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Name: Dereje Temesgen Chewaka
College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University

 Department/Team: Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing
 Field of Specialization:

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

Research Interest:  Pediatrics and Child Health as well as Related Topics        

List of Publications

1. Temesgen D, Wordofa B, Tesfaye T, Etafa W. Delay in seeking healthcare for pneumonia and associated factors among mothers/caregivers of children aged 2–59 months in public health facilities in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. BMC pediatrics. 2023 Jan 12;23(1):17. (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03825-x )

2. Daka DT, Wakuma B, Etafa W, Temesgen Chewaka D, Zewdie A, Birhanu Ayele M, Midekso Beriso Y, Legesse BT, Mekonen WM. Community-based newborn care utilization and associated factors in Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. BMC pediatrics. 2025 Jan 6;25(1):4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05337-2

3. Ebi WE, Mekonen WM, Chewaka DT, Daka DT. Change in Children’s Environmental Health and Readiness of Future Nurses: Knowledge and Skill of Nursing Students.(ongoing)

Contact Address: 

Mobile phone: +251917076124
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Name: Wandimu Muche Mekonen

Academic rank: Lecturer

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

Department/Team: Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing

Field of specialization:                      

• Diploma in Clinical Nursing
• BSc in pediatric and child health nursing
• MSc in Pediatric and Child health Nursing

Research Interest: Pediatrics and Neonatal related issues in Ethiopia

List of Publications:

1. Nurses' knowledge and practice about neonatal pain management in public hospitals in West Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: multi-centered cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs. 2024 May 9;23(1):292. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01972-3
2. Nurses knowledge about and attitude toward pediatrics pain management in public hospitals in Nekemte City, Ethiopia 2023. ELSEVIER, Journal of Pediatric Nursing, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.013
3. Undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia October 2024 PLOS One 19(10) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310225
4. Community-based newborn care utilization and associated factors in Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. BMC Pediatr. 2025 Jan 6;25(1):4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05337-2
5. Predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with hypothermia and respiratory distress syndrome at West Oromia tertiary hospitals, Retrospective Follow-up Study, 2023. ELSEVIER Journal of Neonatal Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101673
6. Change in Children’s Environmental Health and Readiness of Future Nurses: Knowledge and Skill of Nursing Students. PLOS ONE https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1157.v1
7. Prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among orphans aged 6-59 months in Nekemte town, Ethiopia(Accepted) PLOS ONE
8. Human papilloma virus vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among female adolescent school students in nekemte town, Ethiopia,2025: mixed study design (Ongoing)
9. Time to recovery from neonatal jaundice and its predictors among neonates treated with phototherapy at selected tertiary hospitals in western Ethiopia 2025 (Ongoing)

Contact Address:

Mobile Phone: +251910251381

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Name: Dawit Tesfaye Daka
Academic Rank:  Lecturer     
College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga Universi ty

Department/Team: Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing

Current position: -Assistant lecturer starting from November 03/2019- December 21, 2022 and Lecturer since December 21, 2022. Currently working as Academic Quality officer.
Field of Specialization: Neonatal Health Nursing (NHN)

Research Interest:  Pediatrics, Neonatal, and maternal health and related issues         

List of Publications

1. Nurses knowledge about and attitude toward pediatrics pain management in public hospitals in Nekemte City, Ethiopia 2023 Journal of Pediatric Nursing 2025-09 Journal article, DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.013, Part of ISSN: 0882-5963
2. Length of hospital stay and its factor associated among neonates with perinatal asphyxia in the Northwest Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia 2023: a multi-center retrospective cross-sectional study BMJ Open, 2025-02 | Journal article DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087995
3. Community-based newborn care utilization and associated factors in Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023 BMC Pediatrics 2025-01-06 | Journal article DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05337-2 Part of ISSN: 1471-2431
4. Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment outcomes and its associated factors among adult patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to public hospitals in Nekemte Town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare 2024 | Journal article DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1446543 EID: 2-s2.0-85216201646 Part of ISSN: 26736616
5. Time to recovery and its predictors among neonates undergone phototherapy at Comprehensive Specialized hospitals of the Northwest Ethiopia Scientific Reports 2024-12-30 | Journal article DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-80964-4 Part of ISSN: 2045-2322
6. 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 2024-11-11 | Journal article DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05147-6 Part of ISSN: 1471-2431
7. Incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury among asphyxiated neonates in comprehensive specialized hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, 2023. Scientific reports 2024-07-17 | Journal article DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66242-3 PMID: 39013957 PMC: PMC11252324
8. Number of Seizures and Associated Factors Among Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Selected Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals of Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia,2023. A Poisson Regression Analysis Research and Reports in Neonatology 2024-05 | Journal article DOI: 10.2147/rrn.s451450 Part of ISSN: 1179-9935
9. Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with perinatal asphyxia at west Oromia tertiary hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. BMC pediatrics 2023-09-19 | Journal article DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04313-6 PMID: 37726683 PMC: PMC10510233
10. Magnitude of neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among neonates admitted with perinatal asphyxia at West Oromia five Tertiary Hospitals, Ethiopia: An Institutional- Based Cross-sectional Study BMC pediatrics (under review)

Contact Address: 

Mobile phone: +251917080955
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Name: Bruck Tesfaye

Mobile phone: +251913279855/+251923342550
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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.