The END Fund has announced the appointment of Tsitsi Masiyiwa as its Board Chair. The acclaimed philanthropist and influential leader, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, is set to steer the organization’s mission to eradicate these debilitating diseases that afflict over 1.7 billion individuals worldwide, disproportionately impacting Africa where more than 40% of the NTD burden is concentrated.
The legacy of Tsitsi Masiyiwa’s impactful work traces back to the inception of The END Fund in 2012, where she played an instrumental role as a board member. Her steadfast commitment and dedication over the past six years culminated in her elevation to the position of Co-Vice Chair in 2022, further underlining her integral role in the organization’s journey.
The END Fund, a leading collaborative philanthropic force, has been a driving factor in mobilizing resources from a staggering 6,400 donors. This concerted effort has enabled the delivery of over 1.5 billion treatments across 31 countries. These treatments, rooted in locally-driven NTD programs, target a spectrum of ailments including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis.
Reflecting on Tsitsi Masiyiwa’s appointment, William (Bill) Campbell, the outgoing Board Chair, hailed her as a “deeply respected philanthropist and social entrepreneur.” Campbell’s leadership spearheaded the END Fund’s growth, and he expressed unwavering confidence in Tsitsi’s ability to amplify the organization’s ambitions. Under her stewardship, it is anticipated that the END Fund will advance its impact through newfound collaborations and focused strategies.
Speaking about her new role, Tsitsi Masiyiwa shared, “It’s an honor to be appointed as Chair of the END Fund. Having witnessed the incredible impact of the organization first-hand, I’m excited to lead our efforts towards even greater sustainability by empowering affected communities to take the lead in eliminating NTDs.” Tsitsi’s resolute vision is set to fortify the END Fund’s mission of rallying African leaders to spearhead the fight against NTDs, a disease burden that exacts a heavy economic toll on the continent annually.
As Chief Executive Officer of the END Fund, Ellen Agler conveyed her enthusiasm, stating, “Tsitsi has been an inspiring champion and activist ensuring that African governments, philanthropists, and private sector leaders are in the driver’s seats of the disease elimination agenda.” This accolade underscores Tsitsi’s remarkable ability to bridge global platforms with grassroots initiatives, catalyzing progress towards the eradication of these age-old diseases.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa’s influence extends beyond her role as Chair of the END Fund; she is also the Chair of the Higherlife Foundation, Delta Philanthropies, and Co-Impact. Her dedication to philanthropy and gender equality has left an indelible mark over the past two decades. Alongside her husband, Strive, Tsitsi co-founded the Higherlife Foundation in 1996. The foundation’s multifaceted approach addresses education, health, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
As the world ushers in an era of revitalized efforts to tackle NTDs head-on, Tsitsi Masiyiwa’s appointment as Chair of the END Fund signals a resounding commitment to change. With her esteemed leadership, the organization is poised to amplify its impact, foster sustainable change, and finally bring an end to NTDs within our lifetime.
