In memory of our friend and colleague Dr Lazarus Juziwelo

We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the passing of Lazarus Juziwelo, National Programme Manager for the Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminths Control Programme at the Ministry of Health in Malawi.

We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the passing of Lazarus Juziwelo, National Programme Manager for the Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminths Control Programme at the Ministry of Health in Malawi. We send our most heartfelt condolences to his wife Glyceria, his family, friends, and colleagues.

The global health and neglected tropical disease (NTD) community has lost a dedicated colleague, who has worked tirelessly for many years to improve the health and wellbeing of Malawian children and adults. Lazarus brought his passion and experience to the NTD field and was cherished and respected by all who knew him. His enthusiasm, warmth and humour will be remembered by all who worked with him.

Lazarus’s commitment to the elimination of infectious diseases was captured in his own words during an interview with SCI Foundation in 2018:

“My personal goal is to ensure that when I will be 60 years [old], I don’t want to hear anything pertaining to schistosomiasis in Malawi… [For as long as] I’m here, I want to fight tooth and nail to eliminate this disease as a public health problem.”

We are privileged to have worked so closely with Lazarus during our partnership with the NSSCP at the Ministry of Health and bear witness to his leadership and dedication. We will continue to work towards the achievement of his ambition to eliminate schistosomiasis in Malawi ensuring his legacy remains. He will be greatly missed by everyone at SCI Foundation.