The Task Force for Global Health NTD Support Center's Program Director, Dr Dominique Kyelem, lost his battle against cancer on 22 September

Dr Dominique Kyelem, passed away on Sunday, 22^nd September after battling a relentless form of cancer.  Through all he endured Dominique maintained his captivating smile, his infectious positivity and his determination and extraordinary dedication to his work towards eliminating LF, combating other NTDs and righting the inequities of under-served populations throughout the world.

We first knew Dominique as the Burkina Faso National Programme Manager for Lymphatic Filariasis during which time he studied for his PhD with the Liverpool LF Support Centre (now the CNTD).   More recently he has worked at the Task Force for Global Health as Program Director of the LF (now NTD) Support Center focused initially on lymphatic filariasis and more recently expanding his expertise to neglected tropical diseases.   Many will also know him from the numerous presentations he has made at international meetings.

Our sincere condolences are with Dominique’s wife, Regine, his 3 daughters, Brenda, Melissa and Ashley and his family in Burkina Faso.   Fellow programme managers for NTD programmes in Africa and elsewhere, and his colleagues and friends in the global health community around the world, all mourn his loss and, particularly, recognize just how much each attribute of this wonderful, caring, gifted and attentive human being will be missed.  At 51 years, his time with us was just too short.

The NTD Support Center is collecting notes of condolence, fond memories, and photos from colleagues and friends to create a memory book for Dominique’s family.  A Trust Fund will also be established to help support the educational expenses of his 3 children

Please send your thoughts for inclusion in the book or if you would like further information about the Trust Fund to PJ Hooper at phooper@taskforce.org