Addis Ababa University

Dr. Liban Ahmed Hersi is a psychiatrist and serves as the Deputy Director of the Mental Health Department at the Ministry of Health Development in Somaliland. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Amoud University in Somaliland and went on to study Master of Science in Clinical and Community Mental Health at Jimma University, Ethiopia. Moreover, Dr. Hersi also earned a Master’s in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. Now, he is a PhD fellow in Mental Health Epidemiology at Addis Ababa University, funded through the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI) II.

Due to his vast experience in the mental health field, Dr. Hersi has played an influential role within the mental health policies and practices in Somaliland. His research focuses on Co-production and piloting of socio-culturally embedded systems strengthening interventions to improve quality of care for people with mental health conditions in Somaliland (CopilotS).

Dr. Hersi’s publications include a research work based on assessing Prevalence of Mental distress among undergraduate students at Hargeisa University and A National Program to scale up investment and reducing the gap in mental health in Somaliland.  His leadership and active participation in a range of initiatives demonstrate that he is devoted to improving mental health care in the region, especially in Somaliland. His work shows substantial commitment in enhancing mental health services as well as advocating the well being of vulnerable people in Somaliland.