Helina Worku is a senior public health leader with over two decades of experience advancing health systems in Ethiopia. She currently serves as Primary Health Care and Strategic Partnerships Director at Amref Health Africa, overseeing a $13M PHC project. Previously, she spent 17 years with USAID/Ethiopia, rising to Deputy Health Office Director and managing portfolios valued at up to $180M annually across HIV/AIDS, health financing, supply chain, human resources for health, and digital health.
Helina is recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, policy development, donor coordination, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based, large-scale health systems strengthening initiatives.
She holds an MD from Addis Ababa University and an MPH from Gondar School of Public Health and Addis Continental Institute of Public Health. She is a recipient of multiple U.S. Department of State honors, including the Meritorious Honor, Mission Honor, Eagle, and Franklin Awards.
She believes women’s collaborative, community-centered leadership is a catalyst for stronger health systems and accelerated equity — and is passionate about creating pathways for women to shape policy and drive sustainable change.
Fun fact: Helina once set herself the bold goal of 6 by 36 — five children later, her husband cheerfully declared himself the sixth, ensuring she met her target in spirit.