With more than thirteen years of experience in strengthening health systems, Dr. Jeanne Tessougué plays a critical role in advancing both UHC and gender equality by aligning health workers with health systems. She is currently the chief of party of IntraHealth’s USAID/Mali Human Resources for Health Strengthening Activity. Her work focuses on managing the implementation, design, and monitoring and evaluation of health programs using a participatory community approach to reduce maternal, newborn, and infant mortality. Before joining IntraHealth, Dr. Tessougué was the director of the Sexual/ Reproductive Health and Family Planning  Department at Population Services International-Mali and previously worked for the University of Montreal Department of Public Health on maternal death audits at the community and district level. She has worked with SamuSocial International on the rehabilitation of street children and youth and with UNFPA as a Reproductive Health/ Family Planning Manager. Dr. Tessougué applies health economics knowledge to advocating for human resources allocation in health. Her support for civil engagement and public-private partnerships promotes integrated family planning and reproductive health services in both rural and urban environments.

“No woman should die while giving birth and every child has the right to fully enjoy his childhood. So, as women, let us actively engage at all levels for sustainable change in our health systems to promote equality of opportunity, our own development, and that of the communities we serve.”