08-02 2022 01:29
wrote:
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Daniel Fussum. Daniel Fussum was a highly respected colleague and collaborator in the areas of polio eradication, immunization and advancement of immunization particularly in the African region. He left an immense impact and legacy. We hope his family, colleagues and friends will be comforted by his memory and outsized contributions to health and development and the legacy he leaves behind.
Several of us worked closely with him on different projects and activities over the years and share some reflections below:
I worked with Fussum for the first time in early 2000 where he was working and coordinating WHO field operations for polio eradication. He earned my respect for being honest, strategic, indefatigable and courageous in speaking truth to power. He really helped make a strategic shift in polio eradication at a tough time in Nigeria. I called him the General. He was also a gentleman and made friends so easily in the course of his work. We maintained our friendship till his demise.
Another opportunity I had to work closely with him was on the Addis Declaration on Immunization for the African Region, the highest level of endorsement and commitment by African Heads of State for Immunization. Fussum–was instrumental as part of the planning group and making that event a success. We spent quality time discussing the need for vaccine manufacturing in Africa–even if it is going to be a 20 year journey. We agreed it should start. He was so passionate and had a vision for this and at every point he would ask about it. We shared the vision, while he has departed this earth, he advocated strongly and helped to sow the seed.
Our collaboration and partnership with Fussum in the East and Southern African Region has been exemplary and progressive. He catalyzed the review of the RED Guide with stakeholders and partners in the ESA region in 2016, incorporating greater focus on equity, integration and child survival. The updated RED Guideline for the African region is being used all over the continent and beyond and we were so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Fussum and his team on this important endeavor.
We will miss seeing him in his signature hat with his warm smile and infectious laugh. It is hard to imagine an EPI Managers or RITAG Meeting without the important insights, contributions and leadership of Dr. Fussum, he will be greatly missed by us all. Sending our sincere condolences in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Folake Olayinka
Immunization Team Leader, Global Health Bureau, USAID-Washington DC
Sara Zizzo
Senior Child Health and Immunization Advisor, USAID Bureau for Africa- Washington DC
(On behalf of USAID)
08-02 2022 01:29
wrote:
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Daniel Fussum. Daniel Fussum was a highly respected colleague and collaborator in the areas of polio eradication, immunization and advancement of immunization particularly in the African region. He left an immense impact and legacy. We hope his family, colleagues and friends will be comforted by his memory and outsized contributions to health and development and the legacy he leaves behind.
Several of us worked closely with him on different projects and activities over the years and share some reflections below:
I worked with Fussum for the first time in early 2000 where he was working and coordinating WHO field operations for polio eradication. He earned my respect for being honest, strategic, indefatigable and courageous in speaking truth to power. He really helped make a strategic shift in polio eradication at a tough time in Nigeria. I called him the General. He was also a gentleman and made friends so easily in the course of his work. We maintained our friendship till his demise.
Another opportunity I had to work closely with him was on the Addis Declaration on Immunization for the African Region, the highest level of endorsement and commitment by African Heads of State for Immunization. Fussum–was instrumental as part of the planning group and making that event a success. We spent quality time discussing the need for vaccine manufacturing in Africa–even if it is going to be a 20 year journey. We agreed it should start. He was so passionate and had a vision for this and at every point he would ask about it. We shared the vision, while he has departed this earth, he advocated strongly and helped to sow the seed.
Our collaboration and partnership with Fussum in the East and Southern African Region has been exemplary and progressive. He catalyzed the review of the RED Guide with stakeholders and partners in the ESA region in 2016, incorporating greater focus on equity, integration and child survival. The updated RED Guideline for the African region is being used all over the continent and beyond and we were so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Fussum and his team on this important endeavor.
We will miss seeing him in his signature hat with his warm smile and infectious laugh. It is hard to imagine an EPI Managers or RITAG Meeting without the important insights, contributions and leadership of Dr. Fussum, he will be greatly missed by us all. Sending our sincere condolences in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Folake Olayinka
Immunization Team Leader, Global Health Bureau, USAID-Washington DC
Sara Zizzo
Senior Child Health and Immunization Advisor, USAID Bureau for Africa- Washington DC
(On behalf of USAID)
