⎯ and each member of the CVD-Mali team is a vital part of the whole.
On the frontlines, field researchers and clinicians engage with communities, running trials and strengthening primary health care so that treatments can be delivered where they are needed most. Their work feeds back to epidemiologists, who track diseases across regions, to mobilize rapid responses when outbreaks strike.
Behind the scenes, laboratory scientists in microbiology and molecular biology are busy identifying pathogens, testing resistance, and confirming diagnoses that shape both research and care. Their work is enriched by immunologists generating insights to drive innovation in prevention.
Bioinformaticians in turn transform raw numbers into meaningful patterns, connecting village-level realities with national and global health strategies.
Meanwhile, communicators work to earn the trust of communities while human resource specialists keep our teams coordinated, ensuring lessons are shared and progress is measured.
Underpinned by dedicated administration and finance professionals, CVD-Mali thrives, its diverse members and skills united in the goal of improving healthcare outcomes and saving lives.
Driving the CVD-Mali vision, an inspirational, visionary figure
Professor Samba Ousmane Sow, Director General of CVD-Mali, has been the driving force behind the institution’s rise as a national, regional, and global leader. A physician and public health expert, he has combined groundbreaking research with a deep commitment to primary health care, equity, and capacity-building.
At the national level, he has been a trusted advisor and leader within Mali’s health system, serving as Minister of Health and overseeing the introduction of life-saving vaccines, health reforms, and the expansion of community-based care. His vision has guided CVD-Mali to become an institution that not only produces research but also delivers solutions directly to communities.
At the regional level, Professor Sow is recognized as a leader in West Africa’s efforts to reduce child mortality, strengthen maternal health, and build capacity in antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Through the REACH Network, and other platforms, he has fostered collaboration among countries to address shared health challenges with African-led solutions.
At the global level, he has been a member of multiple high-level advisory bodies, including the WHO Special Envoy on COVID-19 and vaccine development platforms. He is widely respected for his commitment to equity in global health, ensuring that Africa’s voice is central to decision-making and that solutions are designed for and with the communities most affected.
Professor Sow’s leadership embodies CVD-Mali’s mission: to combine rigorous science with equity, partnership, and capacity strengthening, positioning the institution as a bridge between communities, governments, and the global health community.
Management team
Fadima Cheick Haidara
Chief Operations Officer
Dr Fadima Cheick Haidara has a wealth of experience in clinical research and operational management. She received her MD from the Faculté de Medecine, de Pharmacie et d’Odonto-Stomatologie in Bamako and is now responsible for overseeing all of CVD-Mali’s operations, managing liaison with the field and with external partners and donors.
Collins Okello
Chief Financial Officer
Collins is an experienced Programme Finance Manager and has more than 15 years’ experience in developing and implementing financial and operational strategies. He now operates at the beating heart of all CVD-Mali’s projects and activities ensuring their successful – and transparent – administration.
COLLABORATION
Partnership is our strength
CVD-Mali is proud to work alongside key partners.
