Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alemayehu Toma | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award
Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences | Ethiopia
Dr. Alemayehu Toma is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, and an accomplished researcher whose work bridges pharmacological science with public health impact. His professional career reflects an unwavering dedication to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and addressing pressing health challenges in both local and global contexts. Over his career, he has built an outstanding reputation for his research in HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes, pharmacovigilance, nutrition-related interventions, and the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants. With 45 peer-reviewed publications and more than 3,900 citations on Google Scholar, his research has significantly influenced both scientific literature and healthcare practice.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar
ORCID
Education
Dr. Toma’s academic path demonstrates a progressive commitment to mastery in pharmacology and medical science. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Addis Ababa University, preceded by a Master’s degree in Pharmacology from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Jimma University. To further enhance his educational contributions, he obtained a Higher Diploma in Pedagogy from Hawassa University, equipping him with the expertise to deliver effective teaching and mentorship in higher education. His academic background integrates deep pharmacological knowledge with practical clinical insight and refined pedagogical skill.
Experience
Dr. Toma’s professional career spans teaching, research, clinical service, and academic leadership. At Hawassa University, he held the role of Associate Professor of Pharmacology in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he was also Head of the Quality Assurance Office. He played a pivotal role in maintaining academic standards, developing research capacity, and ensuring the quality of medical education. He has also served as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Komar University of Science and Technology in Iraq, where he contributed to curriculum development and supervised postgraduate theses. His work as a licensed pharmacy specialist reflects his hands-on involvement in patient care, linking academic expertise with clinical practice.
Research Interest
Dr. Toma’s research interests are diverse but strongly interconnected, focusing on areas where pharmacological science directly impacts human health. His core areas include HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes and comorbidities, the effects of pharmacological interventions on organ systems, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants, nutritional status among vulnerable populations, and epidemiological studies of chronic and infectious diseases. He also contributes to multi-country global health collaborations, such as disease burden mapping, which inform policy and public health programs. His work is characterized by methodological rigor, translational relevance, and a commitment to addressing real-world medical challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Toma’s contributions to pharmacology and public health have been acknowledged in prestigious journals including The Lancet, BMJ Open, Scientific Reports, and BMC Infectious Diseases. His h-index of 19 is evidence of sustained research influence, while his work’s consistent citation by peers shows its enduring value. His collaborative publications with international research networks further underscore his role as a key contributor to global health science.
Publications
Title: Prevalence and attributable health burden of chronic respiratory diseases, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Journal: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Published on: 2020
Citation: 2126
Title: Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and forecasts to 2030, for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the …
Journal: The Lancet HIV
Published on: 2019
Citation: 560
Title: Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease …
Journal: The Lancet
Published on: 2020
Citation: 152
Title: Intestinal α-glucosidase and some pancreatic enzymes inhibitory effect of hydroalcholic extract of Moringa stenopetala leaves
Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Published on: 2014
Citation: 123
Title: Antidiabetic activities of aqueous ethanol and n-butanol fraction of Moringa stenopetala leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Published on: 2015
Citation: 121
Title: Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Moringa oleifera
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacognosy
Published on: 2014
Citation: 94
Title: Global and regional burden of chronic respiratory disease in 2016 arising from non-infectious airborne occupational exposures: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of …
Journal: Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Published on: 2020
Citation: 76
Title: Antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates isolated from ear discharges of patients at University of Hawassa comprehensive specialized …
Journal: BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology
Published on: 2017
Citation: 74
Conclusion
Dr. Alemayehu Toma’s career stands as a model of academic excellence, research productivity, and societal impact. His studies have provided crucial insights into the management of HIV/AIDS, nutrition in vulnerable groups, medicinal plant pharmacology, and the global burden of diseases. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for health systems, contributing to policy change and improved clinical outcomes. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring emerging scholars, and active collaboration in international research initiatives make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. This recognition would not only honor his past achievements but also encourage further contributions that can transform healthcare practice in resource-limited settings worldwide.
