Her face, always lit by a peaceful smile, reflects the kindness and determination of a devoted woman. At over sixty years old, Mrs. Adiaratou Aïta Kébé, wife of Ba, regional president of the Badianu Gox of Kaffrine, remains an emblematic figure of community service. Her entire life has been a fight for maternal and child health, and more recently, for cancer awareness.

Born in Thiès, married in her hometown before settling in Dakar, Ms. Ba joined Kaffrine with her family in 1987. It was in the village of Ndoucoumane that she discovered a new world, rural and modest, but rich in humanity. Driven by a strong sense of service, she joined the Kaffrine health district as a midwife, when it was the only district in the region. Under the direction of Ms. Amy Mbow Thiam, an experienced midwife, she was rigorously trained and supervised. In 1999, she obtained her training certificate, thus marking the beginning of a long career dedicated to community health.

Since her youth, Aïta has always had her heart turned towards others. In primary school, she already distinguished herself by her spirit of solidarity, sharing meals and helping her sick classmates. This natural generosity has transformed into a vocation. From midwife to community relay in 2007, then Badianu Gox in 2009 in the first class trained in Senegal, her journey is that of a committed and passionate woman of the field.

A maternal and child health activist

In the Kaffrine region, Ms. Ba is unanimously recognized for her tireless efforts in the fight against home births.

"Today, thanks to the Badianu Gox's awareness campaign, women better understand the importance of giving birth in health facilities and attending prenatal consultations," she says.

Its action has helped to reduce the risks of maternal and neonatal mortality, a major challenge in rural areas.

Always working alongside women, she has also tackled child malnutrition. Through educational talks, home visits, and awareness sessions, she helps mothers adopt better nutritional practices. For Ms. Ba, "a child's health begins in the womb."

An unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer

Every year during Pink October, Ms. Ba redoubles her efforts to mobilize women around early detection of breast and cervical cancer. She travels to markets, schools, and neighborhoods, reminding people that "cancer detected early can be treated."

She also advocates for the vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 against the papillomavirus, convinced that prevention remains the most effective weapon.

“Silence kills,” she often says. “Let’s dare to talk about cancer, let’s dare to get screened.”

A woman in the field, between challenges and hopes

Ms. Ba's journey has not been without its challenges. She still remembers one mission where, while she was raising awareness about a family, an angry father brandished a machete to chase them away. But these difficult moments never weakened her determination.

Its greatest rewards are the women who proudly come to give birth at the health center, the well-nourished children, and the families who finally understand the importance of preventive care.

Beyond health, Ms. Ba is also involved in education. She calls on parents to monitor their children's schooling, to disinfect classrooms before each school year, and, above all, to register newborns with the civil registry. With the support of mayors, neighborhood delegates, and judicial authorities, she actively participates in mobile court hearings to give each child a legal identity.

But another subject is particularly close to his heart: the situation of children on the streets.

Faced with this growing phenomenon, Ms. Ba does not hide her indignation:

"When I see children sleeping on the sidewalks, my heart breaks. These children are ours. I urge parents and authorities to take full responsibility."

For her, a child's health is not limited to the body, but also includes the dignity, security and love they need to grow.

Faith, Family and Gratitude

Always supported by her husband, Mr. Ba, she has been able to reconcile family life and community involvement.

“My wife gives everything without counting: her time, her energy, her money… She lives for others,” he says proudly.

Her pilgrimage to Mecca, which she considers a blessing, remains one of the most beautiful moments of her life, a symbol of divine recognition for years of service.

Even today, despite her age, she continues to serve with the same enthusiasm. However, she regrets the removal of the small financial incentive previously granted to the Badianu Gox:

“We work for love, but a minimum of consideration would strengthen our commitment.”

From Thiès to Kaffrine, her journey illustrates the strength and nobility of female volunteering in Senegal.

Ms. Adiaratou Aïta Kébé Ba is more than a regional president: she is a mother to mothers, a voice for children, and a sentinel against cancer.

Even though she was not born in Kaffrine, she became one in heart, conviction and action.

An inspiring woman who proves every day that true female leadership begins with service to others