MMV mourns the loss of Pascoal Mocumbi, former Mozambican prime minister and EDCTP High Representative
The former Mozambican prime minister and MMV Board member played an instrumental role in improving global health
Pascoal Mocumbi, former prime minister of Mozambique and MMV Board member passed away on 25 March in Maputo.
Dr Mocumbi served on the MMV Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009, during which time he brought his vast experience and expertise to the organization's mission of discovering and developing new treatments for malaria. His contributions to the fight against malaria in Africa and globally were significant and lasting.
Born on 10 April 1941 in Maputo, Dr Mocumbi was a physician and public health specialist who served as Mozambique’s Prime Minister from 1994 to 2004. During his tenure as prime minister, he played a key role in advancing Mozambique's economic and social development, and in strengthening its health system.
After leaving politics, Mocumbi continued to be a strong advocate for public health in Africa and globally. He served as the chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, as well as the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, among other positions.
He was also a founding member of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), contributing to its establishment by representing African stakeholders in initial discussions, and serving as the first EDCTP High Representative from 2004 to 2013.
Mocumbi's dedication to improving health outcomes for people in Africa was recognized through numerous awards and honours, including the prestigious Chatham House Prize in 2003, which he received in recognition of his leadership in transforming Mozambique into a model of post-conflict reconstruction and development. Further, the Dr Pascoal Mocumbi Prize, established in 2015, honours his contribution to advancing health research and capacity development in Africa.
MMV would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Pascoal Mocumbi's family and friends, and to the many colleagues and collaborators who were inspired and influenced by his leadership and vision. His contributions to the fight against malaria and to public health in Africa and globally will be greatly missed.