Dr. Likezo Mubila (1963 - 2011)
September 1, 2011 by Kim Koporc
9/1/11 - Director Kim Koporc remembers Dr. Likezo Mubila, a champion for STH/NTD control.
When I recently heard about Likezo’s sudden passing, I was struck by the huge loss to the STH and NTD control community. Over the years I have admired her for her ongoing, tireless advocacy for a comprehensive approach to STH control. As I thought of how to best describe Likezo, the words compassionate, kind and committed kept coming into my head. The posts and emails written by her friends and colleagues echo these words and show just how special she was.
I often think that one way we can remember people and find some comfort is to share a specific moment we experienced with them. I smiled when I remembered the first time I met her. I was attending a WHO meeting, the setting in which I would often have the pleasure of interacting with Likezo over the years. At this particular meeting, I was pushing to increase the focus on the water, sanitation and hygiene aspects of STH control. I’m not sure that everyone in the meeting entirely bought into my ideas that day. But Likezo felt strongly about the benefits of preventive activities for STH control, and she backed me up. From that point forward, I knew I could depend on her. And I did, as did many of us who had the privilege of working with her.
With Likezo’s passing, we have lost a vital member of our STH and NTD control community. To her family, friends and colleagues, I express my sincere condolences for their loss. She leaves behind an amazing legacy. She has made a difference for the better in this world—one that continues even in her absence.
Sincerely,
Kim Koporc
Director, Children Without Worms