Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research - Dire Dawa Health Bureau<\/title>\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700&family=Merriweather:ital,wght@0,400;0,700;1,400&display=swap\">\n<style>\n :root {\n --sky-light: #f0f9ff;\n --sky-pale: #e0f2fe;\n --sky-mid: #bae6fd;\n --blue-primary: #0284c7;\n --blue-deep: #0c4a6e;\n --white: #ffffff;\n --ink: #1e293b;\n --ink-soft: #475569;\n --border: #e2e8f0;\n --shadow-soft: 0 10px 25px -10px rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.15);\n --shadow-card: 0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);\n }\n\n * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n body {\n font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n color: var(--ink);\n background: #f1f5f9;\n line-height: 1.7;\n -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\n }\n\n .container {\n max-width: 1200px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* Typography *\/\n h1, h2, h3, h4 {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n line-height: 1.3;\n }\n\n h1 {\n font-size: 2.2rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n padding-bottom: 1rem;\n border-bottom: 2px solid var(--sky-mid);\n }\n\n h2 {\n font-size: 1.6rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin: 2.5rem 0 1rem;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n }\n\n h3 {\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n }\n\n p {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-size: 1rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.2rem;\n }\n\n a {\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n text-decoration: none;\n transition: color 0.2s;\n }\n\n a:hover {\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n text-decoration: underline;\n }\n\n \/* Breadcrumb *\/\n .breadcrumb {\n background: var(--white);\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n padding: 1rem 0;\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n .breadcrumb a {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-weight: 500;\n }\n\n .breadcrumb span {\n margin: 0 0.5rem;\n color: #cbd5e1;\n }\n\n \/* Main Layout *\/\n .layout-wrapper {\n display: grid;\n grid-template-columns: 1fr 320px;\n gap: 3rem;\n padding: 3rem 0;\n }\n\n .main-content {\n background: var(--white);\n padding: 3rem;\n border-radius: 8px;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-card);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n }\n\n \/* Hero Image inside content *\/\n .page-hero {\n width: 100%;\n height: 300px;\n object-fit: cover;\n border-radius: 8px;\n margin-bottom: 2rem;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft);\n }\n\n \/* Lists *\/\n .main-content ul {\n list-style: none;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n padding-left: 0;\n }\n\n .main-content ul li {\n position: relative;\n padding-left: 1.5rem;\n margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n .main-content ul li::before {\n content: '\u2022';\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n font-weight: bold;\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n position: absolute;\n left: 0.5rem;\n top: -0.1rem;\n }\n\n \/* Programs Block *\/\n .program-block {\n background: var(--sky-light);\n border: 1px solid var(--sky-pale);\n border-left: 4px solid var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 1.5rem;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .program-block h3 {\n margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* Leadership Profile (Side-by-Side) *\/\n .leadership-section {\n margin-top: 3rem;\n padding-top: 3rem;\n border-top: 2px solid var(--sky-pale);\n }\n\n .profile__card {\n display: grid;\n grid-template-columns: 250px 1fr;\n gap: 2rem;\n align-items: start;\n background: var(--white);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n border-radius: 8px;\n padding: 2rem;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft);\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame {\n border-radius: 8px;\n overflow: hidden;\n aspect-ratio: 1;\n border: 4px solid var(--sky-pale);\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame img {\n width: 100%;\n height: 100%;\n object-fit: cover;\n }\n\n .profile__role {\n display: inline-block;\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--white);\n background: var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem;\n border-radius: 4px;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n }\n\n .profile__quote {\n border-left: 3px solid var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 0.5rem 1.5rem;\n margin: 1.5rem 0;\n background: var(--sky-light);\n border-radius: 0 4px 4px 0;\n }\n\n .profile__quote p {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n font-style: italic;\n font-size: 1.05rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n margin: 0;\n }\n\n .profile__signature-name {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n font-size: 1.25rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-top: 1rem;\n }\n\n .profile__signature-title {\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n \/* Sidebar Styles *\/\n .sidebar {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n gap: 2rem;\n }\n\n .widget {\n background: var(--white);\n border-radius: 8px;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-card);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n\n .widget__title {\n background: var(--blue-deep);\n color: var(--white);\n padding: 1rem 1.5rem;\n font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n font-size: 1rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.05em;\n }\n\n .widget__body {\n padding: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .widget__body p {\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item {\n display: flex;\n align-items: flex-start;\n gap: 0.75rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item:last-child {\n margin-bottom: 0;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item svg {\n width: 18px;\n height: 18px;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n flex-shrink: 0;\n margin-top: 3px;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item strong {\n display: block;\n color: var(--ink);\n font-weight: 600;\n margin-bottom: 0.25rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item span {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n line-height: 1.5;\n }\n\n .quick-links {\n list-style: none;\n }\n\n .quick-links li {\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n }\n\n .quick-links li:last-child {\n border-bottom: none;\n }\n\n .quick-links a {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: space-between;\n padding: 0.85rem 1.5rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n font-weight: 500;\n transition: all 0.2s;\n }\n\n .quick-links a:hover {\n background: var(--sky-light);\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n text-decoration: none;\n padding-left: 1.75rem;\n }\n\n .quick-links a::after {\n content: '\u203a';\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n }\n\n \/* Responsive *\/\n @media (max-width: 900px) {\n .layout-wrapper {\n grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n }\n \n .main-content {\n padding: 2rem;\n }\n\n .profile__card {\n grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n gap: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame {\n max-width: 200px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n }\n }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n \n\n <div class=\"container\">\n <div class=\"layout-wrapper\">\n \n \n <main class=\"main-content\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/picsum.photos\/seed\/lab-research-emergency\/1200\/400\" alt=\"Laboratory Research and Emergency Response\" class=\"page-hero\">\n \n <h1>Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate<\/h1>\n \n <p>\n The Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate serves as the analytical and strategic backbone of the region's health system. We are tasked with detecting, verifying, and responding to public health threats, maintaining diagnostic laboratory standards, and generating evidence-based research to guide regional health policy and interventions.\n <\/p>\n\n <h2>Our Mandate<\/h2>\n <p>\n Our mandate is to safeguard public health through robust disease surveillance, rapid emergency response, and high-quality diagnostic services. By integrating laboratory data with field epidemiology and operational research, we provide the actionable intelligence required to prevent outbreaks, manage health disasters, and continuously improve clinical and public health outcomes across Dire Dawa.\n <\/p>\n\n <h2>Strategic Objectives<\/h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Establish and manage a robust Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) system for epidemic preparedness and response.<\/li>\n <li>Ensure the availability, accuracy, and quality of diagnostic laboratory services across all health facilities.<\/li>\n <li>Conduct and promote operational research to inform evidence-based health planning and policy.<\/li>\n <li>Strengthen cross-border disease surveillance and early warning systems.<\/li>\n <li>Maintain biosafety and biosecurity standards in all regional laboratory networks.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h2>Key Programs & Services<\/h2>\n <p>To achieve our mandate, the directorate oversees three highly specialized core teams:<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Team<\/h3>\n <p>Coordinates epidemic preparedness, outbreak investigation, and emergency response operations. The team manages the regional Early Warning, Alert, and Response System (EWARS) and leads rapid response deployments during public health crises.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Central Laboratory Team<\/h3>\n <p>Oversees the Regional Public Health Laboratory, ensuring quality assurance, proficiency testing, and accreditation for facility laboratories. The team manages advanced diagnostics for tuberculosis, HIV viral load, and emerging pathogens.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Research Team<\/h3>\n <p>Drives the bureau\u2019s operational research agenda. This team designs studies, analyzes regional health data, and disseminates findings to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions and guide future resource allocation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <section class=\"leadership-section\">\n <h2>Directorate Leadership<\/h2>\n \n <div class=\"profile__card\">\n <div class=\"profile__image-frame\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/picsum.photos\/seed\/dr-mahlet-tadesse\/400\/400\" alt=\"Dr. Mahlet Tadesse\">\n <\/div>\n \n <div class=\"profile__bio\">\n <span class=\"profile__role\">Director<\/span>\n <h3>Dr. Mahlet Tadesse<\/h3>\n \n <p>\n Dr. Mahlet Tadesse is a field epidemiologist and laboratory scientist with over 14 years of experience in disease surveillance and health systems research. She previously served as the PHEM focal person for Dire Dawa, where she successfully coordinated the regional response to multiple outbreak scenarios.\n <\/p>\n <p>\n Holding a PhD in Medical Microbiology and trained through the Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP), Dr. Mahlet is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between laboratory diagnostics and public health action.\n <\/p>\n\n <div class=\"profile__quote\">\n <p>\n \"Data and diagnostics are the eyes and ears of public health. Without them, we are blind to threats. Our mission is to ensure no outbreak goes undetected and no policy is made without evidence.\"\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"profile__signature\">\n <div class=\"profile__signature-name\">Dr. Mahlet Tadesse<\/div>\n <div class=\"profile__signature-title\">Director, PHEM, Lab & Research<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/main>\n\n \n <aside class=\"sidebar\">\n \n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Contact Information<\/div>\n <div class=\"widget__body\">\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M21 10c0 7-9 13-9 13s-9-6-9-13a9 9 0 0 1 18 0z\"><\/path><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"3\"><\/circle><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Office Location<\/strong>\n <span>Dire Dawa Health Bureau, Annex Building, 1st Floor, Kebele 04, Dire Dawa<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M22 16.92v3a2 2 0 0 1-2.18 2 19.79 19.79 0 0 1-8.63-3.07 19.5 19.5 0 0 1-6-6 19.79 19.79 0 0 1-3.07-8.67A2 2 0 0 1 4.11 2h3a2 2 0 0 1 2 1.72 12.84 12.84 0 0 0 .7 2.81 2 2 0 0 1-.45 2.11L8.09 9.91a16 16 0 0 0 6 6l1.27-1.27a2 2 0 0 1 2.11-.45 12.84 12.84 0 0 0 2.81.7A2 2 0 0 1 22 16.92z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Phone Numbers<\/strong>\n <span>+251 25 111 7788 (Office)<br>+251 25 111 7799 (PHEM Hotline)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M4 4h16c1.1 0 2 .9 2 2v12c0 1.1-.9 2-2 2H4c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2V6c0-1.1.9-2 2-2z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"22,6 12,13 2,6\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Email Address<\/strong>\n <span>phem.research@ddhb.gov.et<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Core Teams & Units<\/div>\n <ul class=\"quick-links\">\n <li><a href=\"#\">PHEM Team<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Central Laboratory Team<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Research Team<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Resources & Guidelines<\/div>\n <div class=\"widget__body\">\n <p>Access vital surveillance reports, laboratory manuals, and emergency response protocols.<\/p>\n <ul class=\"quick-links\" style=\"border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\">\n <li><a href=\"#\">PHEM Outbreak Response Guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Regional Lab Biosafety Manual<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Weekly Epidemiological Reports<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/aside>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research – Dire Dawa Health Bureau Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate The Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate serves as the analytical and strategic backbone of the region’s health system. We are tasked with detecting, verifying, and responding to public health threats, maintaining diagnostic laboratory standards, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-208","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":{"has_hero_section":"disabled","styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=208"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":367,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions\/367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\nPublic Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research - Dire Dawa Health Bureau<\/title>\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700&family=Merriweather:ital,wght@0,400;0,700;1,400&display=swap\">\n<style>\n :root {\n --sky-light: #f0f9ff;\n --sky-pale: #e0f2fe;\n --sky-mid: #bae6fd;\n --blue-primary: #0284c7;\n --blue-deep: #0c4a6e;\n --white: #ffffff;\n --ink: #1e293b;\n --ink-soft: #475569;\n --border: #e2e8f0;\n --shadow-soft: 0 10px 25px -10px rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.15);\n --shadow-card: 0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);\n }\n\n * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n body {\n font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n color: var(--ink);\n background: #f1f5f9;\n line-height: 1.7;\n -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\n }\n\n .container {\n max-width: 1200px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* Typography *\/\n h1, h2, h3, h4 {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n line-height: 1.3;\n }\n\n h1 {\n font-size: 2.2rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n padding-bottom: 1rem;\n border-bottom: 2px solid var(--sky-mid);\n }\n\n h2 {\n font-size: 1.6rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin: 2.5rem 0 1rem;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n }\n\n h3 {\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n }\n\n p {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-size: 1rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.2rem;\n }\n\n a {\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n text-decoration: none;\n transition: color 0.2s;\n }\n\n a:hover {\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n text-decoration: underline;\n }\n\n \/* Breadcrumb *\/\n .breadcrumb {\n background: var(--white);\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n padding: 1rem 0;\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n .breadcrumb a {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-weight: 500;\n }\n\n .breadcrumb span {\n margin: 0 0.5rem;\n color: #cbd5e1;\n }\n\n \/* Main Layout *\/\n .layout-wrapper {\n display: grid;\n grid-template-columns: 1fr 320px;\n gap: 3rem;\n padding: 3rem 0;\n }\n\n .main-content {\n background: var(--white);\n padding: 3rem;\n border-radius: 8px;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-card);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n }\n\n \/* Hero Image inside content *\/\n .page-hero {\n width: 100%;\n height: 300px;\n object-fit: cover;\n border-radius: 8px;\n margin-bottom: 2rem;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft);\n }\n\n \/* Lists *\/\n .main-content ul {\n list-style: none;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n padding-left: 0;\n }\n\n .main-content ul li {\n position: relative;\n padding-left: 1.5rem;\n margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n .main-content ul li::before {\n content: '\u2022';\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n font-weight: bold;\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n position: absolute;\n left: 0.5rem;\n top: -0.1rem;\n }\n\n \/* Programs Block *\/\n .program-block {\n background: var(--sky-light);\n border: 1px solid var(--sky-pale);\n border-left: 4px solid var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 1.5rem;\n border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .program-block h3 {\n margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* Leadership Profile (Side-by-Side) *\/\n .leadership-section {\n margin-top: 3rem;\n padding-top: 3rem;\n border-top: 2px solid var(--sky-pale);\n }\n\n .profile__card {\n display: grid;\n grid-template-columns: 250px 1fr;\n gap: 2rem;\n align-items: start;\n background: var(--white);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n border-radius: 8px;\n padding: 2rem;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft);\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame {\n border-radius: 8px;\n overflow: hidden;\n aspect-ratio: 1;\n border: 4px solid var(--sky-pale);\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame img {\n width: 100%;\n height: 100%;\n object-fit: cover;\n }\n\n .profile__role {\n display: inline-block;\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--white);\n background: var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem;\n border-radius: 4px;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n }\n\n .profile__quote {\n border-left: 3px solid var(--blue-primary);\n padding: 0.5rem 1.5rem;\n margin: 1.5rem 0;\n background: var(--sky-light);\n border-radius: 0 4px 4px 0;\n }\n\n .profile__quote p {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n font-style: italic;\n font-size: 1.05rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n margin: 0;\n }\n\n .profile__signature-name {\n font-family: 'Merriweather', serif;\n font-size: 1.25rem;\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n font-weight: 700;\n margin-top: 1rem;\n }\n\n .profile__signature-title {\n font-size: 0.85rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n }\n\n \/* Sidebar Styles *\/\n .sidebar {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n gap: 2rem;\n }\n\n .widget {\n background: var(--white);\n border-radius: 8px;\n box-shadow: var(--shadow-card);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n\n .widget__title {\n background: var(--blue-deep);\n color: var(--white);\n padding: 1rem 1.5rem;\n font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n font-size: 1rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.05em;\n }\n\n .widget__body {\n padding: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .widget__body p {\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item {\n display: flex;\n align-items: flex-start;\n gap: 0.75rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item:last-child {\n margin-bottom: 0;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item svg {\n width: 18px;\n height: 18px;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n flex-shrink: 0;\n margin-top: 3px;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item strong {\n display: block;\n color: var(--ink);\n font-weight: 600;\n margin-bottom: 0.25rem;\n }\n\n .contact-info-item span {\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n line-height: 1.5;\n }\n\n .quick-links {\n list-style: none;\n }\n\n .quick-links li {\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n }\n\n .quick-links li:last-child {\n border-bottom: none;\n }\n\n .quick-links a {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: space-between;\n padding: 0.85rem 1.5rem;\n color: var(--ink-soft);\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n font-weight: 500;\n transition: all 0.2s;\n }\n\n .quick-links a:hover {\n background: var(--sky-light);\n color: var(--blue-deep);\n text-decoration: none;\n padding-left: 1.75rem;\n }\n\n .quick-links a::after {\n content: '\u203a';\n font-size: 1.2rem;\n color: var(--blue-primary);\n }\n\n \/* Responsive *\/\n @media (max-width: 900px) {\n .layout-wrapper {\n grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n }\n \n .main-content {\n padding: 2rem;\n }\n\n .profile__card {\n grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n gap: 1.5rem;\n }\n\n .profile__image-frame {\n max-width: 200px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n }\n }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n \n\n <div class=\"container\">\n <div class=\"layout-wrapper\">\n \n \n <main class=\"main-content\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/picsum.photos\/seed\/lab-research-emergency\/1200\/400\" alt=\"Laboratory Research and Emergency Response\" class=\"page-hero\">\n \n <h1>Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate<\/h1>\n \n <p>\n The Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate serves as the analytical and strategic backbone of the region's health system. We are tasked with detecting, verifying, and responding to public health threats, maintaining diagnostic laboratory standards, and generating evidence-based research to guide regional health policy and interventions.\n <\/p>\n\n <h2>Our Mandate<\/h2>\n <p>\n Our mandate is to safeguard public health through robust disease surveillance, rapid emergency response, and high-quality diagnostic services. By integrating laboratory data with field epidemiology and operational research, we provide the actionable intelligence required to prevent outbreaks, manage health disasters, and continuously improve clinical and public health outcomes across Dire Dawa.\n <\/p>\n\n <h2>Strategic Objectives<\/h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Establish and manage a robust Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) system for epidemic preparedness and response.<\/li>\n <li>Ensure the availability, accuracy, and quality of diagnostic laboratory services across all health facilities.<\/li>\n <li>Conduct and promote operational research to inform evidence-based health planning and policy.<\/li>\n <li>Strengthen cross-border disease surveillance and early warning systems.<\/li>\n <li>Maintain biosafety and biosecurity standards in all regional laboratory networks.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h2>Key Programs & Services<\/h2>\n <p>To achieve our mandate, the directorate oversees three highly specialized core teams:<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Team<\/h3>\n <p>Coordinates epidemic preparedness, outbreak investigation, and emergency response operations. The team manages the regional Early Warning, Alert, and Response System (EWARS) and leads rapid response deployments during public health crises.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Central Laboratory Team<\/h3>\n <p>Oversees the Regional Public Health Laboratory, ensuring quality assurance, proficiency testing, and accreditation for facility laboratories. The team manages advanced diagnostics for tuberculosis, HIV viral load, and emerging pathogens.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"program-block\">\n <h3>Research Team<\/h3>\n <p>Drives the bureau\u2019s operational research agenda. This team designs studies, analyzes regional health data, and disseminates findings to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions and guide future resource allocation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <section class=\"leadership-section\">\n <h2>Directorate Leadership<\/h2>\n \n <div class=\"profile__card\">\n <div class=\"profile__image-frame\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/picsum.photos\/seed\/dr-mahlet-tadesse\/400\/400\" alt=\"Dr. Mahlet Tadesse\">\n <\/div>\n \n <div class=\"profile__bio\">\n <span class=\"profile__role\">Director<\/span>\n <h3>Dr. Mahlet Tadesse<\/h3>\n \n <p>\n Dr. Mahlet Tadesse is a field epidemiologist and laboratory scientist with over 14 years of experience in disease surveillance and health systems research. She previously served as the PHEM focal person for Dire Dawa, where she successfully coordinated the regional response to multiple outbreak scenarios.\n <\/p>\n <p>\n Holding a PhD in Medical Microbiology and trained through the Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP), Dr. Mahlet is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between laboratory diagnostics and public health action.\n <\/p>\n\n <div class=\"profile__quote\">\n <p>\n \"Data and diagnostics are the eyes and ears of public health. Without them, we are blind to threats. Our mission is to ensure no outbreak goes undetected and no policy is made without evidence.\"\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"profile__signature\">\n <div class=\"profile__signature-name\">Dr. Mahlet Tadesse<\/div>\n <div class=\"profile__signature-title\">Director, PHEM, Lab & Research<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/main>\n\n \n <aside class=\"sidebar\">\n \n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Contact Information<\/div>\n <div class=\"widget__body\">\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M21 10c0 7-9 13-9 13s-9-6-9-13a9 9 0 0 1 18 0z\"><\/path><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"3\"><\/circle><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Office Location<\/strong>\n <span>Dire Dawa Health Bureau, Annex Building, 1st Floor, Kebele 04, Dire Dawa<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M22 16.92v3a2 2 0 0 1-2.18 2 19.79 19.79 0 0 1-8.63-3.07 19.5 19.5 0 0 1-6-6 19.79 19.79 0 0 1-3.07-8.67A2 2 0 0 1 4.11 2h3a2 2 0 0 1 2 1.72 12.84 12.84 0 0 0 .7 2.81 2 2 0 0 1-.45 2.11L8.09 9.91a16 16 0 0 0 6 6l1.27-1.27a2 2 0 0 1 2.11-.45 12.84 12.84 0 0 0 2.81.7A2 2 0 0 1 22 16.92z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Phone Numbers<\/strong>\n <span>+251 25 111 7788 (Office)<br>+251 25 111 7799 (PHEM Hotline)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"contact-info-item\">\n <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M4 4h16c1.1 0 2 .9 2 2v12c0 1.1-.9 2-2 2H4c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2V6c0-1.1.9-2 2-2z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"22,6 12,13 2,6\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n <div>\n <strong>Email Address<\/strong>\n <span>phem.research@ddhb.gov.et<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Core Teams & Units<\/div>\n <ul class=\"quick-links\">\n <li><a href=\"#\">PHEM Team<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Central Laboratory Team<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Research Team<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"widget\">\n <div class=\"widget__title\">Resources & Guidelines<\/div>\n <div class=\"widget__body\">\n <p>Access vital surveillance reports, laboratory manuals, and emergency response protocols.<\/p>\n <ul class=\"quick-links\" style=\"border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\">\n <li><a href=\"#\">PHEM Outbreak Response Guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Regional Lab Biosafety Manual<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#\">Weekly Epidemiological Reports<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/aside>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research – Dire Dawa Health Bureau Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate The Public Health Emergency, Laboratory & Research Directorate serves as the analytical and strategic backbone of the region’s health system. We are tasked with detecting, verifying, and responding to public health threats, maintaining diagnostic laboratory standards, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-208","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":{"has_hero_section":"disabled","styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=208"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":367,"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions\/367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dahb.gov.et\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}