Abt Global Mourns Passing of Dr. François P. Diop

Dr. François P. Diop Abt Global is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. François P. Diop, a world-renowned expert in health financing who spent more than 20 years with Abt Global. He was a thought leader and driving force in health sector reform and health care financing in West Africa, and spent 25 years designing, implementing and managing large, complex health projects in the region.

Dr. Diop was a trusted advisor to the Government of Senegal and the Ministry of Health in its health reform efforts, serving as Chief of Party for the Senegal Health Systems Strengthening project from 2011-2017 and the Health Systems Strengthening Plus project (2016-2021). He also served as President of the inter-agency coordination mechanism for USAID Health Program implementing partners. Under Dr. Diop, the successful Health Systems Strengthening project supported community health insurance schemes, which led to an increase in the number of people receiving health insurance coverage by more than 25 percent.

Throughout his career, he helped address Senegal’s health system challenges and understood the broader political and social context for implementing health system strengthening activities. As Chief of Party, he brought together a wide range of stakeholders to support health reforms. Among other partners, the World Bank and the Ethiopian and Rwanda governments sought his advice because of his success designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based health insurance. 

Dr. Diop worked in more than 10 countries during his career and published 15 peer reviewed articles on health insurance and health financing. He received a Ph.D. in demography, economy and statistics from Johns Hopkins University.

“François did his work quietly and with steadfast determination. He will be remembered for his leadership, his humanity and his thoughtful reflection and problem solving. We will miss him dearly,” said Abt Global President and CEO Kathleen L. Flanagan.