FRED SIMIYU WILLIS, R.I.P.

Sunday, 1st of January 2012

I have received the following tragic news from Abdul-Aziz Mohammed, of the National Logistics Working Group, Nigeria. Fred was severely injured in the August bombing of the UN compound in Abuja, and survived four months before passing away on 23 December. Kenya has lost one of her finest sons, and Nigeria one of her finest helpers. Fred was a gentleman, father, husband, and a true professional. May he rest in peace. At the foot of this note, a special tribute from the director of NPHCDA.

BD

Today is a sad day for the logistics community and indeed the immunization community in Nigeria. The passing away of Mr. Fred Simiyu Willis came as a rude shock to all of us early this morning. Mr. Willis passed on yesterday in the night.

Until his passing away, he was the Chairman of the National Logistics Working Group of the ICC logistics technical team in Nigeria. During his long and eventful sojourn in Nigeria, first as a WHO National Logistics Officer and later as UNICEF Health Specialist Logistics and Vaccine Security, he applied himself diligently to transforming immunization logistics in the country.

He will be missed by all who knew him or had contact with him either officially or unofficially.

May his gentle soul find rest with his maker.

Abdul-Aziz Mohammed

Subject: A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FRED WILLIS (VACCINE SECURITY SPECIALIST UNICEF)

THE LATE FRED WILLIS:

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Tragic! Shocking!! Heart-breaking!!!. These are some of the Exclamations from colleagues, associates and friends at the wake of the announcement of your death in far away South Africa Friday 23^rd, 2011.

Fred! It’s an understatement saying we love you! It’s an understatement saying we cherish you! It’s an understatement saying that the whole world misses you!

Our collective dream!

Our common aspiration!

Our hope and ambition to end polio and other vaccine preventable diseases in our life times!

What an end beyond human control!

“NOT HOW LONG BUT HOW WELL”

While we join your family; friends, colleagues and associates the world over to grieve over your transition onto the world beyond, we are consoled and relieved by your footprints on the sand of times.

A great scholar, scientist, selfless, diligent, exemplary leader and team player.

Undoubtedly, your leading contributions to Nigeria current National Cold Chain System and training of Corps of our EPI Logisticians would remain green forever in our fresh memories. You are indeed the doyen of EPI logistics and logistician per excellence!

Adieu! Adieu!! Adieu! Our dear Fred Willis – a role model to all in service to humanity!

signed

Dr. Ado J.G. Muhammad

Executive Director/CEO