Today the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Program recognizes Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela for her lifelong service to improving health equity and ending poverty-associated diseases. Dr. Malecela passed away on February 10, 2022.
Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela recognized by USAID leadership with an NTD Champion award at a ceremony in 2012. Credit: RTI International
Dr. Malecela was widely recognized for her considerable contributions to the field of public health. As Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, she spearheaded an ambitious agenda from the start of her tenure. Dr. Malecela led the development of an inclusive, comprehensive strategy, the 2030 road map, to accelerate progress on NTDs that was supported by WHO member states around the world. Under her leadership, WHO launched strategies aligning NTDs with cross-cutting health issues like sustainability and One Health, established guidelines for improved disease management, prioritized the need for better diagnostics, and officially recognized a global awareness day for NTDs.
Dr. Malecela previously served as Director in the Office of the Regional Director, WHO Regional Office for Africa. She was an experienced public health researcher and served as the first female Director-General of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania.
Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela stands with USAID leadership and other awardees after receiving an NTD Champion award at a ceremony in 2012. Credit: RTI International
Dr. Malecela championed collaboration across the NTD community. She had a long standing history of working with USAID in supporting national programs to achieve their disease control and elimination goals. She was committed to cultivating the next generation of researchers and a vocal proponent for the Agency’s African Researchers’ Small Grants program. As part of the development of the new WHO 2030 road map, the collaboration expanded into developing a framework to advance greater sustainability of national NTD programs.
In addition to her many accomplishments, Dr. Malecela will be long remembered for her indelible commitment to poor and vulnerable people. A fierce advocate for health equity, she was dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 1.7 billion people impacted by NTDs. Dr. Malecela was an invaluable member of the NTD community, and her leadership and partnership will be greatly missed. Her legacy, and the bold vision she established for NTDs, will live on in the many she inspired.