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MPSK Assistant Professor of Pharmacology

Terefe, Ermias Mergia, PhD., MPSK

Dr. Ermias Mergia Terefe is a registered consultant pharmacist with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, an MSc in Pharmacology, and a BPharm. He is an award-winning educator, e-learning champion, curriculum specialist, and instructional designer with extensive expertise in health professionals’ education, training, and capacity building. A drug discovery scientist, Dr. Terefe has discovered five new anti-HIV compounds named in his honor — Ermiasolides A–C (crotofolane diterpenoids), Ermiasoid (an eudesmane diterpenoid from Croton megalocarpus), and Crotocascarin ω from Croton dichogamus. His scientific contributions earned him the Top Open Access Publisher Award at USIU-Africa (2023/2024). Currently, he serves as Program Leader and Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), Nairobi, Kenya. Recognized for his outstanding teaching, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award (2025/2026). As former Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy for four years, he led the development of globally unique and innovative academic programs, including the BSc in Nursing, MSc in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and MSc in Clinical Pharmacognosy & Alternative Medicine. Dr. Terefe has successfully supervised and examined postgraduate students at both PhD and MSc levels to completion, and has also supervised and mentored BPharm undergraduate research projects, contributing significantly to capacity building in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. Dr. Terefe is also a trusted expert resource for the Kenya Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, contributing to the National Pharmacy Core Curricula review, Pharmacy Practice Guidelines, and other national initiatives. Before joining USIU-Africa, he served as Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Adama Hospital Medical College and Head of Pharmacy at Rift Valley University. He also worked as a hospital pharmacist at Medhanialem General Hospital, production pharmacist at Diab Pharmaceuticals, and Education & Training Officer for the USAID-funded S-HRH project at Jhpiego–Ethiopia, supporting over 10 universities to strengthen health professionals' education. A former Chair of the Research, Project & Professional Development Committee of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association, Dr. Terefe has delivered numerous training programs in medical education, pedagogy, HIV, rational drug use, supply chain management, vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance, and pharmacovigilance. His leadership in curriculum design and module development for pharmacy and medical laboratory training has earned national recognition from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Oromia TVET Bureau, and Adama Hospital Medical College.
Email Address

eterefe@usiu.ac.ke

Phone Number

+254 746 272 742

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

  • Molecular, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
  • Medical education
  • Curriculum Design and Development

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD Molecular Pharmacology
  • MSc Pharmacology
  • BPharm
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Curriculum Design and Development
  • MEd Learning Design and Technology (in progress)

TEACHING

  • CAM4452- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • PHM3471- Basic Pharmacology and toxicology
  • PHM 3472 Anti-infective Pharmacology
  • PHM3451- General Pharmacognosy
  • PHM 3473 Respiratory and GIT Pharmacology
  • PHM4474- Cardiovascular and Renal Pharmacology
  • PHM4475- Endocrine Pharmacology
  • PHM4476- Nervous and Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
  • PHM5477- Cancer, ocular and skin Pharmacology
  • PHM3451- General Pharmacognosy
  • GRM2000- Introduction to Research Method
  • PSY6259- Psychopharmacology for Clinical Psychology MSC students
  • PHM5497: Research Proposal
  • PHM5498: Research report

PUBLICATIONS

Articles in referred journals:

  1. Mukabyiringiro, E., Kinyanjui, A. W., Nthenya, G., Ndiege, O., Majok, D., Inshutiyimana, S., & Terefe, E.M (2026). Strengthening Pharmacogenomics Implementation in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities – A Narrative Review. Health Science Reports, 9(4), e72276. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41948624/ (April 2026)
  2. Kilonzo, G. N., Githinji, E. M., Makworo, D., & Terefe, E. M. (2025). Adherence to Hemodialysis Regimen and Biochemical Outcomes in Patients on Maintenance Dialysis : A Comparative Analysis Across Three Avenue Hospitals. 38(3), 1–11 https://ojs.ajhsjournal.or.ke/index.php/home/article/view/797/576 (September 2025)
  3. Amofa, J. O., George, J., Okumu, N. A., Ohene, M., Terefe, E. M., Tsomene, S. L., Tougue, O. C., Bejide, I. O., Nabukeera, K. C., Nelson, A. Y., Tagne, C. S. D., Osabutey, P. Y., Ndiaye, A., Nkwe, D. O., Ohaekenyem, E. C., Jolaiya, T. F., Banda, H., Ikponmwosa-Eweka, O., N. David, W., … Nji, E. (2026). BioStruct-Africa’s scalable framework for AlphaFold-enabled research training and sustainable workforce development in Africa. Communications Biology, 9(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41741662/ (February 25, 2026)
  4. Manjari, S. W., & Terefe, E. M. (2026). Evaluating community pharmacists’ involvement in patient counselling and health education in Nairobi, Kenya: A cross-sectional study. PloS One, 21(1), e0322829. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41570025/ (January 22, 2026)
  5. Noor, A. I. O., & Terefe, E. M. (2025). Evaluation of the antidiarrheal activity of dichloromethane-methanol crude extract of the aerial parts of Croton kinondoensis (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice. PLOS One, 20(10), e0333527. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41042765/ (October 3, 2025)
  6. Kilonzo, G. N., Githinji, Terefe, E. M., & Makworo, D. (2025). Compliance to Treatment Regimen among Hemodialysis Patients in Selected Private Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Kenya Compliance to Treatment Regimen among Hemodialysis Patients in Selected Private Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Kenya. 8(2), 58–72 https://osp.nckenya.go.ke/media/uploads/1769434973LICATION_KILONZO.pdf (July 12, 2025)
  7. Ladha, H. K., & Terefe, E. M. (2025). Ethnomedical Survey of Plants Used in Westlands Subcounty, Nairobi, Kenya. Natural Product Communications, 20(6). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251353559 (June 23, 2025)
  8. Gati, J. M., Terefe, E. M., Bargul, J., Muriuki, J., & Okanya, P. (2025). Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Solvent Fractions of Croton megalocarpus Against Human Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (HeLa). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X251328931 (March 21, 2025)
  9. Obat, A. R., Okalebo F. A., & Terefe, E. M. (2024). Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients attending Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 3(1), 23-33. https://journals.editononline.com/index.php/jmhs/article/view/606 (November 13, 2024)
  10. Uwanyagasani, G., Song’oro, E., Ndacyayisenga, J., Terefe, E. M., & Muriuki, J. (2024). In vitro activity of various Kenyan tea extracts against HeLa human cervical cancer cell line and molecular docking of tea catechins on high-risk HPV16E6 protein. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 44, 101420. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352914823002666 (December 6, 2023)
  11. Sheikh, T. A., Mbatia, B. N., Terefe, E. M. (2023). Antidepressant activity of Methanolic Extracts of Areca catechu Nuts in Mice. Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya 27(1): 20-25. https://psk.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/psk-journal-vol-27.-no.-1.pdf (June 2023).
  12. Terefe, E. M., Okalebo, F. A., Derese, S., Muriuki, J., Mas-Claret, E., & Langat, M. K. (2022). Anti-HIV crotocascarin ω from Kenyan Croton dichogamus. Natural Product Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36278900/ (February 9, 2023)
  13. Terefe, E. M., Okalebo, F. A., Derese, S., Langat, M. K., Mas-Claret, E., Qureshi, K. A., Jaremko, M., & Muriuki, J. (2022). Anti-HIV Ermiasolides from Croton megalocarpus. Molecules 27(20). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36296633/ (October 19, 2022)
  14. Zamanian, M. Y., Terefe, E. M., Taheri, N., Kujawska, M., Tork, Y. J., Abdelbasset, W. K., Shoukat, S., Catalan Opulencia, M. J., Heidari, M., & Alesaeidi, S. (2022). Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of pioglitazone on Parkinson’s disease: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical and experimental findings. CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets, 22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200161/ (October 5, 2022)
  15. Rudiansyah, M., El-Sehrawy, A. A., Ahmad, I., Terefe, E. M., Abdelbasset, W. K., Bokov, D. O., Salazar, A., Rizaev, J. A., Muthanna, F. M. S., & Shalaby, M. N. (2022). Osteoporosis treatment by mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and their exosomes: Emphasis on signaling pathways and mechanisms. Life Sciences, 120717. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35792178/ (October 1, 2022)
  16. Terefe, E.M., Catalan Opulencia, M. J., Rakhshani, A., Ansari, M. J., Sergeevna, S. E., Awadh, S. A., Polatova, D. S., Abdulkadhim, A. H., Mustafa, Y. F., Kzar, H. H., Al-Gazally, M. E., Kadhim, M. M., & Taherian, G. (2022). The roles of CCR10/CCL27-CCL28 axis in tumor development: Mechanisms, Diagnostic & Therapeutic Approaches, and Perspectives. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, 1–32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36155126/ (September 26, 2022)
  17. Terefe, E. M., & Ghosh, A. (2022). Molecular Docking, Validation, Dynamics Simulations, and Pharmacokinetic Prediction of Phytochemicals Isolated From Croton dichogamus Against the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase. Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, 16, 1–20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36185760/ (September 26, 2022)
  18. Patel, D.M., Terefe E.M., Okeyo. A. (2022). Assessment of Prescribing Practice at Thika Level 5 Hospital. Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya, 26(1), 24–28 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WD9ob_2D7NGiUUsDq5TnvLPOQTDS8Uf5/view (September, 2022) 
  19. Rudiansyah, M., Terefe, E. M., Opulencia, M. J. C., Abdelbasset, W. K., Bokov, D. O., El-Sehrawy, A. A., Baymakov, S., Hammid, A. T., Shirvaliloo, M., & Akhavan‐Sigari, R. (2022). Type 2 alveolar epithelial cell-derived circulating extracellular vesicle-encapsulated surfactant protein C as a mediator of cardiac inflammation in COVID-19. Inflammation Research, 71(9), 1003–1009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35909187/ ( September, 2022)
  20. Terefe, E. M., Okalebo, F. A., Derese, S., Muriuki, J., Rotich, W., Mas-Claret, E., Sadgrove, N., Padilla-González, G. F., Prescott, T. A. K., Siddique, H., & Langat, M. K. (2022). Constituents of Croton megalocarpus with Potential Anti-HIV Activity. Journal of Natural Products. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35709365/ (June 16, 2022)
  21. Terefe, E. M., Okalebo, F. A., Derese, S., Langat, M. K., Mas-Claret, E., Aljarba, N. H., Alkahtani, S., Batiha, G. E.-S., Ghosh, A., El-Masry, E. A., & Muriuki, J. (2022). In vitro anti-HIV and cytotoxic effects of pure compounds isolated from Croton macrostachyus Hochst. Ex Delile. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 2022 22:1, 22(1), 1–10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35705943/ (June 15, 2022)
  22. Xu, Y., Al-Mualm, M., Terefe, E. M., Shamsutdinova, M. I., Opulencia, M. J. C., Alsaikhan, F., Turki Jalil, A., Hammid, A. T., Enayati, A., Mirzaei, H., Khori, V., Jabbari, A., Salehi, A., Soltani, A., & Mohamed, A. (2022). Prediction of COVID-19 manipulation by selective ACE inhibitory compounds of Potentilla reptant root: In silico study and ADMET profile. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 15(7), 103942. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35502159 / (7 July 2022)
  23. Degu, A., Terefe, E. M., Some, E. S., & Tegegne, G. T. (2022). Treatment Outcomes and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Patients with Selected Solid Malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital: A Hospital-Based Prospective Cohort Study. Cancer Management and Research, 14, 1525–1540. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35498512/ (April 22, 2022)
  24. Zadeh, F. A., Raji, A., Ali, S. A. J., Abdelbasset, W. K., Alekhina, N., Iswanto, A. H., Terefe, E. M., & Jalil, A. T. (2022). Autophagy-related chemoradiotherapy sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pathology – Research and Practice, 153823. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35398616/ (February 24, 2022)
  25. Ghosh, A., Mukerjee, N., Sharma, B., Pant, A., Kishore Mohanta, Y., Jawarkar, R. D., Bakal, R. L., Terefe, E. M., Batiha, G. E. S., Mostafa-Hedeab, G., Aref Albezrah, N. K., Dey, A., & Baishya, D. (2022). Target Specific Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Kinase in Conjunction With Cancer and SARS-COV-2 by Olive Nutraceuticals. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35356629/ (March 8, 2022)
  26. Terefe E. M., Okalebo F. A., Deresse S., Muriuki J., Amuhaya E. K., Munyendo L. W., Janapati Y., Obila J., Mosweta J. (2022). Cytotoxicity and antiretroviral activity of the leaf and stem bark extracts of Croton macrostachyus. Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya, 26(1), 2022. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WH_QWgczs4ucHHfMJc_TMhisL3vPSfWb/view
  27. Terefe, E. M., Okalebo, F. A., Derese, S., Batiha, G. E.-S., Youssef, A., Alorabi, M., & Muriuki, J. (2022). Cytotoxicity and anti-HIV activities of extracts of the twigs of Croton dichogamus Pax. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 2022 22:1, 22(1), 1–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35216601/ (February 25, 2022)
  28. Terefe, E. M.; Okalebo, F. A.; Derese, S.; Muriuki, J.; Batiha, G. E.-S. In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Anti-HIV Activity of Crude Extracts of Croton Macrostachyus, Croton Megalocarpus and Croton Dichogamus. J. Exp. Pharmacol. 2021, 13, 971–979. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35221732/ (December 22, 2021)
  29. Kebede A., Asaminew B., Terefe E.M. (2017) Empowering female health science students in Ethiopia, A case study. Jhpiego-Ethiopia https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dxTJb2XsSRM_xQ6a0JJphKEXvS4DMQH1/view?usp=sharing
  30. Terefe E.M.., Terefe G., Teklehaymanot T. and Shibeshi W. (2016). Antitrypanosomal activity of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) against Trypanosoma congolense isolates. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 16:362 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27629546/ (September 15, 2016)
  31. Terefe E.M., Terefe G., Teklehaymanot T. and Shibeshi W. (2015). Phytochemical screening and in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of aqueous and methanol leaf extract of Clutia abyssinica (Euphorbiaceae) against Trypanosoma congolense. Pharmacologia 6 (3): 79-87 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W54YENBeJTOBikiYQiJylHQ8p61d8JvT/view?usp=sharing
  32. Terefe E.M., Shibeshi W, Terefe G and Teklehaymanot T. (2014). Phytochemical Screening and in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of aqueous and methanol leaf extract of Verbascum sinaiticum (Scrophulariaceae) against Trypanosoma congolense Field Isolate. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 4:183 doi:10.4172/2161-0681.1000183 (July 09, 2014) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vz1Spee2vxHe9OExoxsOOUe7yuFa5EZq/view?usp=sharing
  33. Terefe E.M. Terefe G., Teklehaymanot T. and Shibeshi W. (2014). Evaluation of in vivo antitrypanosomal activity of aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of Clutia abyssinica (Euphorbiaceae) against Trypanosoma congolense. Natural Products Chemistry and research. 2 (138) (May 22, 2014) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vy_w3UvCAUd2o7-D3A-p7YmCibreelMh/view?usp=sharing

Research Projects and Grants

  • Principal Investigator (2025) – Determination of Antiviral Activities of Croton kinondoensis Against Herpes Simplex Type 1 Virus. Awarded a competitive institutional research grant following peer review by the Department of Research Contracts and Grants and the Faculty Council’s Academic and Research Committee. Funding: KES 489,600, Funder: United States International University-Africa
  • Resource Mobilization & Proposal Development Contributor (2025) – IPSF World Congress 2025 – Resource Mobilization and Hosting Coordination. Contributed to proposal development, budget negotiations, and coordination of hosting arrangements for an international pharmaceutical congress. Supported resource mobilization efforts resulting in over USD 3 million in funding, strengthening global partnerships and institutional visibility. Institution: United States International University-Africa. Organization: International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation
  • Co-Investigator / Proposal Development Contributor (2024) – ISPE Grant for PSK–ISPE International Scientific Conference. Contributed to securing external funding through proposal development and coordination for an international scientific conference. Supported conference implementation and facilitated student participation and research dissemination. Funding: USD 40,000, Funder: International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology, Partners: Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya; United States International University-Africa
  • Principal Investigator (2022) – Anticancer Activities of Eudesmane-Type Diterpenoids Isolated from Croton megalocarpus Against Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Led a funded research project investigating anticancer properties of natural compounds. Funding: KES 990,000, Funder: United States International University-Africa (School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension)
  • Co-Investigator / Proposal Development Team Member (2022–Present) – Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative (Workstream B). Contributed to the development of a major institutional grant proposal focused on digital transformation and capacity building in higher education, including academic program design and budgeting. Funding: USD 5.9 Million, Funder: Mastercard Foundation, Institution: United States International University-Africa
  • Co-Investigator / Proposal Development Contributor (2022–Present) – Dual Vocational Training for Pharmaceutical Production Specialists. Contributed to proposal development, curriculum design, and grant negotiation processes for an international capacity-building project, supporting implementation and Phase II renewal. Funding: USD 110,000, Funder: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (Germany), Institution: United States International University-Africa
  • Co-Investigator / Proposal Development Contributor (2022) – Health Innovation Challenge. Contributed to proposal structuring, budgeting, and coordination of a multi-stakeholder health innovation initiative, leading to successful external funding acquisition and enhanced institutional visibility. Funding: KES 834,250, Partners: United States International University-Africa; Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya; Ministry of Education Kenya
  • Principal Investigator (2018) – Evaluation of Anti-HIV Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants and Synthetic Porphyrins. Awarded a competitive institutional research grant supporting drug discovery research. Funding: KES 887,260, Funder: United States International University-Africa

Professional Society Membership

  1. Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA)
  2. Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK)
  3. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
  4. International Association of Public Health Logisticians (IAPHL)

Technical Expertise, Policy & National Projects

  • Technical Expert / Trainer (2025)
    • Division of Tuberculosis and Other Lung Diseases (DTLD), Kenya
      • Pilot phase capacity building on Active Drug Safety Monitoring and Management (aDSM) for county pharmacists, CTLCs, and CMLCs to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems and cascade mentorship to lower-level health facilities.
  • Technical Expert (2023 – Present)
    • Pharmacy and Poisons Board (Kenya)
      • Development of National Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) Guidelines
      • Development of Digital Pharmacy Practice Guidelines
      • Development of Pharmacy Specialization Guidelines
      • Technical contribution to national pharmacy regulatory strengthening initiatives
  • Technical Lead (2023 – Present)
    • Pharmacy and Poisons Board (Kenya)
      • Review of National Pharmacy Core Curriculum (Kenya)
      • Technical leadership in curriculum harmonization and competency-based pharmacy education reforms
  • Technical Expert (2024 – 2025)
    • Ministry of Health Kenya
      • Development of national technical assistance tools and roadmap for pharmaceutical workforce capacity building
  • Technical Expert (2022–2023)
    • Pharmacy and Poisons Board (Kenya) & Ministry of Health Kenya
      • Development and digitalization of National Family Planning Guidelines for pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists
      • Digitalization of family planning training programs and technical learning resources
  • Technical Expert (2018)
    • Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia & GHSC-PSM
      • Development of ART pharmacy mentorship curriculum
  • Training Lead (2018)
    • Strategic planning and pharmaceutical supply chain management training for national defense health professionals
  • Instructional Designer & Curriculum Developer (2016–2017)
    • Developed training programs and curricula for pharmacy, laboratory, nursing, and radiography programs across multiple institutions
  • Capacity Building Lead (2016)
    • ICAP-Columbia University & Ministry of Health Ethiopia
      • Mental health training and health workforce capacity strengthening initiatives