Elias Phiri Fund
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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elias Phiri, who was a towering community HIV advocate, a dedicated campaigner and influential Zambian Diaspora community leader. He was a consummate networker and a truly great human being for those who had the privilege to meet or know him personally or professionally.
He was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 on 26th December. He had been in Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at St. Georges in London for around three weeks and despite the best efforts of his clinical care team his condition deteriorated and unfortunately, he lost the fight on 27th January 2021.
At the time of his death, Elias was a Health Advisor with Barts NHS Trust and the Fast-Track Cities Programme Manager at Africa Advocacy Foundation – in addition to many other advocacy and community health promotion roles. He was a Steering Committee member of One Voice Network and a long-term member of the European AIDS Treatment Group. Elias was a founder member and a Trustee of the charity Addington Afro-Ethnic Health Promotion Group (AAEGRO) and had previously worked with Terrence Higgins Trust, TB Alert and Luangwa Integrated Resources Programme in Zambia.
Elias has been a leading force in the fight against HIV and particularly in promoting PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) for BAME communities. Since the pandemic he has been a leading voice in sensitising communities against COVID-19. He mentored, trained and supported many people in the health sector and set up platforms including the Global Advocates Forum for advocates, health workers and patients to enable them to interact, share knowledge, experiences and information.
Elias made commendable contribution to the Zambian communities in the UK and around the world. He was instrumental in the establishment of supportive and vibrant Zambian Diaspora chapters, community led organisations and groups. He was a pioneer of Zambians Together, a non-profit organisation set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he co-founded and led as President from March 2020 until his untimely passing. Under his leadership, the organisation became a forerunner in Zambian Diaspora engagement, facilitating collaboration with the Zambian government and its High Commission to the UK.
Elias was a great communicator who touched many lives and brought diverse communities together around the world. Many of us have very fond memories of Elias, be it at international or local forums – with his highly infectious laugh, always organising community meetings, dinners and supporting advocates from all over the world to participate in different conferences. His kindness, good spirit, warmth, dedication and advocacy skills will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the global community.
We have set up this page in collaboration with Zambians Together and One Voice Network to raise funds to organise a befitting funeral for our hero and to support his family during this difficult time. Elias is survived by his wife and 3 children. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your support.
He was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 on 26th December. He had been in Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at St. Georges in London for around three weeks and despite the best efforts of his clinical care team his condition deteriorated and unfortunately, he lost the fight on 27th January 2021.
At the time of his death, Elias was a Health Advisor with Barts NHS Trust and the Fast-Track Cities Programme Manager at Africa Advocacy Foundation – in addition to many other advocacy and community health promotion roles. He was a Steering Committee member of One Voice Network and a long-term member of the European AIDS Treatment Group. Elias was a founder member and a Trustee of the charity Addington Afro-Ethnic Health Promotion Group (AAEGRO) and had previously worked with Terrence Higgins Trust, TB Alert and Luangwa Integrated Resources Programme in Zambia.
Elias has been a leading force in the fight against HIV and particularly in promoting PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) for BAME communities. Since the pandemic he has been a leading voice in sensitising communities against COVID-19. He mentored, trained and supported many people in the health sector and set up platforms including the Global Advocates Forum for advocates, health workers and patients to enable them to interact, share knowledge, experiences and information.
Elias made commendable contribution to the Zambian communities in the UK and around the world. He was instrumental in the establishment of supportive and vibrant Zambian Diaspora chapters, community led organisations and groups. He was a pioneer of Zambians Together, a non-profit organisation set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he co-founded and led as President from March 2020 until his untimely passing. Under his leadership, the organisation became a forerunner in Zambian Diaspora engagement, facilitating collaboration with the Zambian government and its High Commission to the UK.
Elias was a great communicator who touched many lives and brought diverse communities together around the world. Many of us have very fond memories of Elias, be it at international or local forums – with his highly infectious laugh, always organising community meetings, dinners and supporting advocates from all over the world to participate in different conferences. His kindness, good spirit, warmth, dedication and advocacy skills will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the global community.
We have set up this page in collaboration with Zambians Together and One Voice Network to raise funds to organise a befitting funeral for our hero and to support his family during this difficult time. Elias is survived by his wife and 3 children. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your support.
Organizer
Denis Onyango
Organizer
