Heluna Health, a public health nonprofit organization, has appointed Christine Sow, Ph.D., as president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 20, 2026. Dr. Sow brings more than two decades of leadership experience in public health, global health and international development organizations.
“Selecting a new President and CEO marks an exciting new chapter for Heluna Health,” said Carladenise Edwards, Ph.D., chair of the Heluna Health Board of Directors. “As the need for resilient public health infrastructure is greater than ever, Dr. Sow’s experience leading organizations through complexity combined with her strong grounding as a business and public health professional positions her to provide the leadership needed to grow Heluna Health while continuing to deliver measurable results for the communities we serve.”
Dr. Sow most recently served as president and CEO of Humentum, a global nonprofit organization that supports international relief and development organizations by strengthening operational capacity through training, consulting, peer learning and advocacy. Its work spans finance, risk and compliance, and people and culture. Her previous roles include chief operating officer of Population Services International, where she oversaw a $600 million global health portfolio across more than 60 countries; president and executive director of the Global Health Council, where she successfully relaunched the organization; and vice president of international programs at Plan International USA.
An epidemiologist and global health practitioner, Dr. Sow has worked both domestically and internationally, including in India, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. Throughout her career, she has worked with nonprofit, academic, bilateral and multilateral organizations across more than 30 countries. Her work has focused on advancing equity through maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention and health systems strengthening, with a consistent emphasis on community-centered solutions.
Dr. Sow holds a doctorate in social epidemiology from Tulane University and master’s degrees in public health and Middle Eastern and North African studies from the University of Michigan.
“Heluna Health’s mission and model are deeply aligned with my commitment to advancing equitable, community-driven public health,” Dr. Sow said. “I am honored to join an organization that plays a vital role in strengthening public health infrastructure and supporting the people and programs on the front lines.”
She joins Heluna Health at a pivotal moment as public health systems nationwide navigate an increasingly complex federal policy and funding landscape amid growing community needs. Heluna Health’s operating model — partnering with government agencies, community-based organizations and researchers to implement and scale public health programs — positions the organization to respond with agility and impact.
About Heluna Health
For more than 50 years, Heluna Health has collaborated with community-based organizations, public health agencies, health care systems, providers and policymakers to enhance services that expand access to disease prevention, treatment, care and social resources. Heluna Health researches, develops and implements community-led interventions that foster systemic change and improve health outcomes.
