Dr. Mwele Ntuli Malecela (1963–2022) was a renowned Tanzanian scientist, public health leader, and champion in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) globally. She was one of Africa's most influential female scientists, celebrated for her leadership, passion, and dedication to public health, particularly in the elimination of NTDs. Dr. Mwele's career spanned over 30 years, primarily working in public health research and leadership.
She began her career at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania in 1987, where she rose through the ranks to become the Director General—the first woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, NIMR became a leading institution in health research and a key player in addressing health challenges such as NTDs, malaria, and HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.
In 2017, she joined the World Health Organization (WHO) as the Director of the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In this role, she played a pivotal role in shaping global NTD strategies, including the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030, which aims to eliminate at least 20 NTDs by 2030. Dr. Mwele Malecela passed away on February 10, 2022. Her passing was a huge loss to the global health community, especially the fight against NTDs. To honor her legacy, the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme for Women in NTDs was launched by WHO to empower young women in science and public health to continue her work.
On March 26, 2025, Tanzania will commemorate Dr. Mwele Malecela’s 3rd posthumous birthday, celebrating her outstanding contributions to global health and her commitment to the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Dr. Mwele’s legacy lives on through initiatives such as the YouthInNTDs program and the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme launched by WHO in her honor.
The Mwele Malecela Day of Action, organized by One Health Society in collaboration with Dr.Kuduishe Kisowile, will focus on raising awareness about NTDs through a walkathon and community engagement. The event will reinforce Tanzania’s dedication to disease prevention and health promotion, honoring Dr. Mwele’s vision of a healthier future for all. #MweleMalecelaDayOfAction in efforts to eliminate NTDs in Tanzania.
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