The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has officially appointed Professor Dr. Charles Edward Lahai Senessie as a Member of its Strategy Committee for the 2025–2028 term, representing the West and Central Africa constituency. His appointment follows the Global Fund Board Decision Point GF/B52/EDP10, approved on 8 April 2025.
Dr. Senessie’s three-year term, effective from 10 May 2025, places him at the heart of one of the Global Fund’s most influential decision-making bodies. The Strategy Committee is responsible for guiding and overseeing the Fund’s strategic direction, ensuring that its work remains aligned with global health priorities, scientific evidence, and the needs of the communities most affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In its official communication, the Global Fund expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Senessie’s acceptance of the role and his constituency’s support for his nomination. The letter noted, “Your expertise and insights will be core assets in the critical work of the Strategy Committee.”
Dr. Senessie is a respected public health advocate and development professional with a strong background in policy, governance, and regional coordination. His appointment reflects the Global Fund’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and ensuring that the perspectives of West and Central Africa are meaningfully represented in global health decision-making.
His role on the Strategy Committee comes at a crucial time, as countries in the region continue to confront significant challenges, including limited healthcare access, under-resourced health systems, and rising threats from infectious diseases. His presence is expected to amplify regional priorities and promote equitable allocation of resources across member countries.
The Strategy Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the Global Fund’s strategic policies, overseeing the implementation and performance of strategic initiatives, and advising the Board on programmatic matters and emerging health issues. It also helps guide the Fund’s multi-billion-dollar investments in health programs across more than 100 countries.
Dr. Senessie’s appointment has been warmly received by civil society groups, government institutions, and international partners, who see it as a significant boost to regional representation within the governance structures of the Global Fund.
As he begins his term, Dr. Senessie is expected to engage in key strategic sessions and contribute to shaping the future of global health financing, with a focus on achieving the Fund’s core mission: ending AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats by 2030.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Dr Lansana Gberie, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio congratulated, Dr. Senessie and expressed optimism in representing Sierra Leone at the global level for the three-year term.
