ISGlobal Mourns the Loss of Pascoal Mocumbi

Pascoal Mocumbi, a Mozambican physician, politician and promoter of health research in Africa, passed away on 25 March 2023 at the age of 81. ISGlobal mourns the loss of this key global health figure who dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of the people in his country and in the African continent in general.

Former Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Foreign Affairs of Mozambique, Dr Mocumbi was instrumental in the creation and development of the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) in Mozambique. Under his leadership, the centre became one of the most important scientific centres in Africa for the excellence of its work. He was also a key mentor to the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) in the fight against diseases such as malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis. 

In 2008, he created the Manhiça Foundation (FM), of which he was the first president. In doing so, he firmly established CISM in the country, strengthened its integration into the Mozambican national system and promoted the Manhiça Foundation's participation on the ISGlobal Board of Trustees.

"Dr Mocumbi leaves a lasting legacy in the fight against infectious diseases and the promotion of public health in Mozambique and around the world. His vision, commitment and leadership have inspired many and will continue to serve as an example to us all," said Antoni Plasència, Director General of ISGlobal. 

Pascoal Mocumbi received prestigious awards throughout his career. At the national level in Mozambique, he was awarded the "Trabalho Socialista" medal. In Spain, he was awarded the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the King of Spain in 2014, in recognition of his active contribution to strengthening Spanish-Mozambican relations.

ISGlobal would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. His legacy will live on in our hearts and in our work.