Newsroom
RTI International expresses our deepest condolences at the news of the passing of Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malacela, Director of the World Health Organization's Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Mwele’s contributions to the field of global health, specifically neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), have been tremendous. She was one of the most influential global health leaders worldwide – a giant in her field, an inspiration to women in science, and a beloved leader in her home country of Tanzania.
Mwele’s career was devoted to making a significant impact into the burden of NTDs, through her research with Tanzania’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and at the helm of Tanzania’s National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program. She was the first woman to serve as NIMR’s Director General, where she continued to provide leadership and mentorship to Tanzania’s NTD program. Most recently she directed the Department for Control of NTDs at the World Health Organization in Geneva where she championed the launch of the WHO NTD Roadmap for 2021-2030, a legacy that will advance efforts to eliminate NTDs and create health equity for the most disadvantaged communities globally.
Mwele was known for her unwavering commitment to fighting NTDs and her dedication to improving the health of all people. She was a generous spirit, giving freely of her time and talents to mentor, collaborate, and inspire the next generation of global health professionals, particularly women.
“Mwele always had high expectations and trust in her team. She brought a lot of strength and affection to her work, sharing with those around her the joy she found in serving others. Her compassion for those impacted by NTDs was immeasurable and will not be forgotten,” says Upendo Mwingira, Technical Director at RTI.
Mwele had a special place in the hearts of RTI collaborators - we remember her fondly as someone who could bring energy to a room without saying a word. We celebrated each of her accomplishments as we would one of our own. Her passing is a loss of immeasurable magnitude for the NTD community and a deep personal loss of a friend and colleague.
“If we have a roadmap and vision for where we are aiming in NTDs today, if we have a sense of what works and how to engage, it is largely thanks to Mwele’s dynamic leadership. She will be missed beyond measure.” says Lisa Rotondo, Director of NTDs at RTI.
RTI joins many worldwide in mourning her loss and we send our deepest sympathies to her family. She was a friend, colleague, and inspiration to so many.
Pumzika kwa Amani, Mwele. Rest in Peace, Mwele.
