By Josephine Sesay
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has appointed Professor Dr. Charles Edward Lahai Senessie to its high-level Strategy Committee for the 2025–2028 term. Representing the West and Central Africa constituency, Dr. Senessie’s appointment was formalized through Board Decision Point GF/B52/EDP10, approved on April 8, 2025. His three-year term officially commenced on May 10, 2025.
This appointment marks a major milestone not only in Dr. Senessie’s distinguished career but also in advancing regional health leadership. It affirms the Global Fund’s commitment to diverse and inclusive representation, particularly from regions disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The Strategy Committee is one of the Global Fund’s most influential governing bodies. It plays a pivotal role in setting the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with scientific evidence and global health priorities, and amplifying the voices of the most impacted communities.
In its official statement, the Global Fund expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Senessie’s acceptance and emphasized the significance of his contribution:
“Your expertise and insights will be core assets in the critical work of the Strategy Committee.”
A renowned public health advocate and development policy expert, Dr. Senessie brings a wealth of experience in health governance, regional integration, and evidence-based policy reform. His appointment has been widely applauded by civil society, development partners, and government agencies across West and Central Africa, who see it as a strategic opportunity to elevate the region’s priorities on the global health agenda.
With West and Central Africa still confronting persistent healthcare challenges including limited infrastructure, emerging disease outbreaks, and funding shortfalls Dr. Senessie is expected to be a strong advocate for equitable resource allocation, regional collaboration, and sustainable health systems.
The Strategy Committee advises the Global Fund’s Board on strategic, programmatic, and policy matters, including how best to allocate resources and design interventions that maximize health outcomes. The Fund currently supports health programs in over 100 countries, with a goal to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats by 2030.
On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, congratulated Dr. Senessie and conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s pride in the appointment.
Dr. Senessie’s appointment is a testament to Sierra Leone’s growing leadership and credibility in global health diplomacy, said Ambassador Gberie.
As he steps into this critical role, Dr. Senessie is expected to participate in a series of high-level sessions and consultations that will shape the Global Fund’s future investments and priorities. His voice will be instrumental in ensuring that the health needs of West and Central Africa remain front and center in global financing strategies.
This appointment is not only a personal achievement for Dr. Senessie but also a significant recognition of the region’s potential and its right to influence global health policy at the highest levels.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,14th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
