Dakar, Senegal – May 2025 – The Foundation for a Healthier Senegal (FOHSEN) is proud to announce the appointment of four distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors. This strategic expansion comes at a defining moment in the organization’s growth, as it scales its efforts to renovate rural health posts, train community health workers, and deploy digital tools like KërSanté to improve health outcomes in Senegal’s most underserved areas.
The new board members bring a wealth of experience in global health, finance, innovation, and social impact, reinforcing FOHSEN’s commitment to sustainable, community-driven health systems.
“This year’s board is not only diverse in expertise, but deeply aligned with our mission to deliver dignified healthcare regardless of geography,” said Talla Cisse, FOHSEN’s Executive Director. “Each member brings a unique perspective and a deep passion for equity, and we’re honored to have their guidance as we scale our impact.”
Meet the New Board Members:
Professor Papa Salif Sow
An internationally recognized expert in infectious diseases and a professor at the University of Dakar, Prof. Sow brings over 30 years of experience in HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis care. A former WHO committee member and contributor to the Global Fund, he has led groundbreaking research and program implementation in resource-limited settings. His leadership will support FOHSEN’s expansion of maternal and child health services in rural zones and inform policy engagement at the national level.
Maha Baalbaki
Founder of Yum Yum SARL and Venture Consultant at Haskè Ventures, Maha has built a strong reputation in business development and entrepreneurship support. Through her nonprofit Ecolibri, she champions sustainable, youth- and women-led ventures. Maha will advise FOHSEN on social enterprise strategy, fundraising, and sustainable infrastructure investments, including its 10-year plan to renovate 20 rural health posts.
Cheick Diaby
Currently the Chief Operating Officer of the West African Monetary Union Deposit Guarantee and Resolution Fund, Cheick brings expertise in financial regulation, risk management, and public sector financial strategy. With prior experience at Ecobank and Standard Chartered, his guidance will support FOHSEN’s internal systems for financial sustainability, transparency, and performance monitoring.
Dr. Ndeye Makalou
A global leader in healthcare innovation and founder of Global Impact Bio Consulting, Dr. Makalou has held executive roles in pharmaceutical research, drug development, and supply chain optimization. She has spearheaded access-to-medicine strategies across Sub-Saharan Africa and serves on the board of the African Diaspora Network. Dr. Makalou will advise FOHSEN on innovation, global partnerships, and health equity, drawing on decades of cross-continental leadership.
A Critical Moment for FOHSEN
With a maternity clinic under construction, digital health tools active across 13 villages, and growing partnerships with government and the private sector, FOHSEN’s work is accelerating. This new board is not only an expansion in governance—but a major step forward in building the institutional strength to scale health solutions across Senegal.
“We’re at a turning point,” said Cisse. “What we do next must be grounded in evidence, backed by infrastructure, and powered by communities. These board members will help us make that vision real.”
About FOHSEN:
The Foundation for a Healthier Senegal (FOHSEN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming rural health systems through community health worker training, clinic renovation, and the deployment of digital health solutions. FOHSEN operates across 13 villages and aims to renovate 20 health posts over the next 10 years.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Email: administrator@fohsen.org
Website: www.fohsen.org
