Professor Samba Sow
Co-chair, Board of Trustees

Professor Samba Ousmane Sow is a globally recognized public health leader, epidemiologist, and vaccine expert who has dedicated his career to advancing infectious disease research, vaccine development, and child survival programs in Mali and beyond. As the Director General of the Center for Vaccine Development in Mali (CVD-Mali), he has led pioneering research on disease burden, epidemic response, and immunization strategies, positioning Mali as a key contributor to global health security.

Professor Sow served as Mali’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene (2017-2019), spearheading health sector reforms, expanding free maternal and child healthcare, and strengthening Mali’s epidemic preparedness. His leadership during Ebola, COVID-19, and other outbreaks earned him international recognition, including his appointment as a WHO Special Envoy for COVID-19 and membership on key global advisory boards such as WHO’s Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC) and the CEPI Board.

In 2024, Professor Sow was honored with Commander of the Malian Order of Merit, the highest national recognition in the field of health, for his lifelong dedication to improving health outcomes and advancing medical research. Under his leadership, and with the strong support of the Government of Mali, he is now spearheading the scaling up of the REACH Programme, ensuring that no child in Mali is left behind in accessing life-saving interventions and integrated child health services.

As Co-Chair of the REACH Network, Professor Sow continues to champion African-led, evidence-based solutions for child survival, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring, and equitable healthcare delivery, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships, innovation, and national ownership in global health efforts.