The late Flora Kessy, Chair of the National Screening Committee for Danida funded development research in Tanzania. Here in conversation with Prof. George Praygod, NIMR Mwanza. Photo by Vibeke Quaade
It is with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of Flora Kessy, Executive Director of the Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health (TTCIH). We have lost a smart, visionary, witty and dedicated colleague and friend.
Flora was a highly committed member of the Danida Consultative Research Committee for Development Research (the FFU), and she was also Chair of the National Screening Committee for Danida funded development research in Tanzania. Our deepest condolences go to Flora’s family, friends and colleagues at TTCIH.
Flora was an Associate Professor in Social Policy and Development at Mzumbe University in Mbeya, and Executive Director of the TTCIH in Ifakara. She held a PhD in Agricultural and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois, USA. She did research and published articles on topics such as access to health care, health and HIV/AIDS financing, health governance, social protection, health and livelihood resilience, gender and community participation in development through community governance structures. She worked and partnered with a number of national and international organisations, and as a result of her vast experiences across projects, sectors and cultures, she brought with her a spirit of collaboration, strong leadership and professional skills. Flora was a great source of inspiration and no one ever doubted her competence and integrity at any level or in any forum.
Floras presence and contribution to our future endeavours will be greatly missed, but our memory of her legacy will remain and endure way beyond her passing.
Rest in Peace
Compiled by Lars Arne Jensen, Research Programme Manager
