“At FOHSEN, we’re not only training CHWs, we are empowering, recognizing, and valuing them.”— Professor Papa Salif Sow
— Professor Papa Salif Sow
In many corners of the world, healthcare begins not in hospitals, but in the hands of community health workers (CHWs), the unsung heroes who bridge the gap between formal health systems and remote, underserved populations. At the forefront of championing their cause is Professor Papa Salif Sow: a medical doctor, infectious disease specialist, and esteemed professor at the University of Dakar in Senegal. As a board member at FOHSEN, Professor Sow brings decades of experience, deep scientific insight, and a heartfelt commitment to transforming health access across Africa
A Life in Service to Global Health
Professor Sow’s journey into medicine was not just a career choice, it was a calling. With an academic foundation rooted in infectious diseases, he has spent decades working at the intersection of clinical care, research, and teaching. His contributions span the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, while also addressing the growing challenge of emerging infectious diseases.
His expertise has extended beyond Senegal, shaping pandemic preparedness and health policy in countries across Africa. Whether guiding public health responses or influencing training curricula, Professor Sow has remained a steadfast advocate for equity, evidence-based solutions, and resilient healthcare systems.
Joining Forces with FOHSEN
When FOHSEN invited Professor Sow to join its board, the mission instantly resonated. Throughout his career, Professor Sow witnessed how frontline health workers, especially CHWs, serve as the first line of defense against disease and health neglect. Yet, despite their contributions, they are often overlooked in policy and budgetary decisions.
“At FOHSEN, we’re not only training CHWs, we are empowering, recognizing, and valuing them,” he shares.
In his role as a board member, Professor Sow is not only shaping FOHSEN’s strategy but also helping amplify its voice on the global stage. With partnerships spanning philanthropic foundations and private sector stakeholders, he advocates for models of care that center the most marginalized. His work ensures that FOHSEN’s success stories from rural Senegal become blueprints for global health equity.
Building a Bridge to Better Health
What excites Professor Sow most about his work with FOHSEN is the potential for sustainable impact. Through training programs and skill-building initiatives, FOHSEN is helping CHWs evolve from basic caregivers to recognized health professionals.
He envisions a future where they are integrated into national health systems, supported by policy, and celebrated for their crucial role in reaching hard-to-access populations.
