Tribute to Dr Peter Salama (1968-2019): "He touched and enhanced the lives of millions of people"
Jeremy Farrar, Wellcome's Director, pays tribute to Dr Peter Salama, an Executive Director at WHO instrumental in leading efforts to tackle Ebola, who has died aged 51.
"I am devastated at news of Pete Salama’s sudden death. He worked tirelessly to improve health for all, bringing calm leadership in extremely difficult situations. He was instrumental in leading efforts to tackle Ebola.
"Through his work at WHO he has been a great friend to Wellcome and to me personally. There was rarely a week when I didn’t speak to him on the phone. Most recently we were in contact through my trip to Rwanda last month, to see the roll out of the Ebola vaccine, and last week to discuss his innovative ideas on malaria and ensuring access for everyone.
"He was pragmatic, creative, unselfish and ruthlessly focused on improving the lives of the most vulnerable.
"This is a huge loss to the WHO, to the global health community. He touched and enhanced the lives of millions of people who will never have known him.
"He will be missed by so many, but none more so than his family. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them at this very sad time."