Uniting to Combat NTDs (Uniting) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Isatou Touray as the organisation’s interim Executive Director.
Dr. Touray brings a wealth of experience in social activism and government leadership across the African continent. Her distinguished career includes serving as the Vice President of The Gambia, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Minister of Trade for The Gambia. She is also a renowned campaigner against female genital mutilation (FGM), the co-founder of The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP) and holds a PhD in Development Studies.
On the appointment, Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, Chair of the Uniting Board and WHO Assistant Director General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and NTDs (retired) said:
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Touray join us in this pivotal role. Her valuable insights and strong leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission. We look forward to collaborating closely with her to build on our successes and achieve even greater impact in combating these devastating diseases."
Dr. Touray joins Uniting to Combat NTDs during an important time for the organisation, which has an updated strategic plan and a renewed mission. Under her leadership, Uniting will continue its commitment to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), aiming to enhance its impact and works towards achieving its ambitious resource mobilisation goals.
Dr. Touray said:
"I am honoured and excited to join Uniting to Combat NTDs as the interim Executive Director. This organisation has made a profound impact in the fight against NTDs, and I look forward to working with the dedicated team and partners to continue this vital work. Ending the burden of these diseases is not just a health goal, but a path to improving the lives of millions."
NTDs are a group of diseases that affect 1.65 billion people worldwide and can disable, disfigure, and be fatal. In recent years, incredible progress has been made against NTDs, with endemic countries leading the way. 51 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD, including 22 countries in Africa, and 843 million people received treatment in 2022.
Uniting to Combat NTDs also wishes to express deep gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Thoko Elphick-Pooley for her incredible years of service, inspirational leadership, and exceptional dedication, injecting new energy into the fight to end NTDs. Under her tenure, Uniting has helped mobilise significant global resources and celebrated major advocacy wins in global policy agendas for NTDs.
Thoko Elphick Pooley, outgoing Executive Director of Uniting, said:
“I am thrilled to be passing the baton to my dearest Sister Dr. Touray, whom I have had the privilege of knowing for the last ten years. Dr. Touray has a proven track record of tackling hard issues and her extensive experience in both grassroots advocacy and the highest levels of government within the African continent make her an excellent choice to carry forward Uniting’s work. You can count on my full support as I prepare to take on my new role as Deputy Director for Programme Advocacy and Communications for Africa at the Gates Foundation."
Media contact:
Laura Newman
Director of Communication and Partnerships
Uniting to Combat NTDs
laura@unitingtocombatntds.org
16 July 2024
