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It is with a deep sense of sadness and sorrow that WHO is announcing the passing on 10 February 2022 of Dr Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela, Director of WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Dr Malecela died after a prolonged illness at the age of 58. She was among the most well-known and respected female researchers, scientists and public health leaders in Africa.
Dr Malecela will be remembered as an inspirational figure, a dedicated leader and a committed listener.
Her short time as Director of the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases culminated most notably in the development of the new road map for 2021-2030. 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.
Our sincere condolences are with Dr Malecela’s family and close relatives, as colleagues and friends in the global health community around the world mourn her loss.
