The path of organizational growth is never linear. As we announce an exciting new organizational restructure, we also share the bittersweet news that our Global Managing Director, Assietou Diouf, will be stepping down from her current role, following an ask neither she, nor we could refuse. Fortunately, she will continue to support Integrate Health in a different capacity.
Continuing our journey together
This June, Gavi launched a groundbreaking $1 billion initiative, the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, aimed at building a robust vaccine ecosystem on the African continent. In Senegal, a new state-of-the-art facility is under construction, and a dedicated entity is being set up to manage the end-to-end value chain under the umbrella of Institut Pasteur de Dakar. Naturally, a CEO for this new initiative had to be named. Assietou received the call from the Senegal asking her to lead this new entity as CEO.
We are incredibly proud of the important role Assietou will be taking on and delighted to announce that she has agreed to join the Board of Directors of Integrate Health. In this new capacity, she will continue to serve as a mentor, advisor, and champion for our mission. Her presence on our board ensures that her invaluable insights and commitment to community health will remain a guiding force for our organization. This transition is not truly a departure, as we are still united in our goals and moving together towards the same vision of improved community health and equity.
Long-lasting contributions and impact
Significant progress has been achieved in the short three months of Assietou’s tenure. With Assietou’s support and contributions, Integrate Health realized four important advances. First, we defined the vision for and launched the organizational restructure that we recently implemented. Second, we identified high capacity in our Togo Director of Finance and pushed through his promotion into the role of Senior Director of Finance and Operations. Third, we designed a new financial report package and metrics presentation that will be piloted in September with senior management and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
To manage the forthcoming transition, we have taken several important actions. Together with Assietou, we are defining a detailed handover plan to ensure continuity. The Executive Team is finalizing any needed modifications to the Global Managing Director job description before a replacement is onboarded. We are in discussions with several qualified candidates to potentially fill this role, and we have engaged an external financial consultant to conduct an assessment and provide additional support during the transition phase. We appreciate your support during this transition phase and are open to meeting any potential candidates you would like to send our way!
We are deeply grateful to Assietou for her time with Integrate Health. Her legacy includes not only the strategic advancements she spearheaded but she also joins a network of allies of Integrate Health. Wherever she goes, she carries with her the spirit and mission of Integrate Health, further expanding our reach and impact. Her exceptional background and deep commitment to our cause make her an enduring advocate for our Community Health Workers (CHWs) and patients. We are proud that she continues to be part of the organization and look forward to her ongoing support.
“I am incredibly saddened by this sudden departure from Integrate Health. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to contribute to Integrate Health’s mission and witness the strength and impact of our model. My experience with Integrate Health has reinforced my assurance that community-led strategies are pivotal to building sustainable development. Though short, my time with the teams has been extremely rewarding, and I am leaving with fond memories and great confidence that the organization will continue its growing trajectory for the benefit of the local communities. I am particularly touched by the support from the senior management and colleagues during this transition period and would like to express my gratitude to the Integrate Health family for their kind consideration. Ce n’est qu’un au revoir.”
Assietou Sylla Diouf
Finally, we wish to thank you, our partners, for your support and solidarity as we continue to weather the many challenges of building a strong and resilient organization. Integrate Health remains committed to our goal of expanding and deepening local leadership. This commitment is not an easy one as there are many structural factors at play. However, our experience continues to reinforce the deep value inherent in this goal. Luckily, we have never been easily discouraged. Although sad to see her leave her position, we are also excited to find out what’s next in our collaboration with Assietou.