I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Mwele Malecela. A long-time friend and close colleague, Dr Malecela was a passionate advocate for eliminating neglected tropical diseases as Director of WHO’s Department of Control of NTDs. She was also a highly respected scientist, who specialized in lymphatic filariasis in Tanzania and a true role model for young women in science. Her expertise in NTDs was greatly valued as a member of TDR’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee before she took up her role at WHO.
As a visionary leader bringing NTDs to the forefront of the global health agenda, she was instrumental in guiding the development of WHO’s new roadmap for NTDs. The blueprint Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030 was launched in January 2021.
Prior to joining WHO in April 2017, Dr Malecela served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Medical Research, United Republic of Tanzania – the first woman to occupy this position - and as founding Director of the Tanzania Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme.
In the words of WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus:
“Dr Malecela was a globally esteemed and respected scientist and researcher and among the most well-known, respected female researchers and scientists and public health leaders in Africa. She truly led by example both in the field of NTDs and also as a manager. She will truly be missed.”
Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with Dr Malecela’s family, friends and past colleagues.
Sincerely,
John Reeder