Dr. Demeke Desta

Dr. Demeke Desta is a medical doctor and public health specialist with nearly three decades of experience. He has dedicated most of his career to ensuring that people can access the information and care they need to make decisions about their bodies, health and futures.  

Before becoming the Ipas Ethiopia director in 2022, Dr. Desta served in several leadership roles at Ipas, most recently as national program manager. He has played a key role in strengthening Ethiopia’s reproductive health ecosystem and supporting the country’s progress toward safer, more accessible abortion care. Under his leadership, Ipas Ethiopia works closely with government institutions, health-care providers, civil society organizations and communities to expand access to quality abortion and contraceptive services, strengthen health systems and ensure that those who have historically been left behind can access care with dignity and respect. 

Dr. Desta is also a strong advocate for reaching underserved and marginalized populations, including young people, people with disabilities and communities affected by conflict, displacement and humanitarian crises. He believes that meaningful progress requires intentionally removing barriers to care and ensuring that every person—regardless of where they live or the challenges they face—can access high-quality reproductive health services. 

Prior to joining Ipas, he managed and led public health programs in Ethiopia and internationally, including serving as medical director for the Ethiopian Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs. He also serves on the boards of Ipas South Africa and the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations.  

Dr. Desta earned his medical degree from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Public Health from the Erasmus School of Public Health at the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.