Dear Masters, Colleagues, friends, and students,
On the 24th February, we learned the very sad news that Professor Wali Muna had passed away in Paris.
Professor Muna had an immense influence on cardiovascular medicine and research in Africa, and beyond through his Past-Presidency at the Pan African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR). Through almost four decades of influential research and scientific publications, he fascinated several young colleagues, mentored several students and hugely influenced many outstanding clinical scientists who have gone on to become major figures in the African and global field of cardiovascular medicine and research.
There are few who may not have witnessed his lectures at international congresses, characterized by so much thoughtfulness and critical thinking. One of the indelible remains is his 2013 speech on the strategies to control the rising burden of Cardiovascular diseases in Africa. A presentation he made in the presence of His Excellency President Macky Sall, president of the Republic of Senegal and Professor Serigne Abdou Ba, during the 2013 PASCAR Congress.
To the young generation, Professor Muna used to say: “if your efforts are guided by honesty and rigor, if you do it without getting tired or giving in to discouragement, you will inevitably reach the top.”
He was a giant in the field of cardiology and medicine at large, and from his shoulders, we were able to see further.
But there was more to the man than just his scientific intellect and his passion. He was a huge library, a model of rigor, scientific integrity and humility, and an exceptional model for future generations. Prof Muna was a man steeped in culture, with a wide range of interests – a warm and generous man indeed!
We will greatly miss him, but his legacy will remain in the very capable hands of those he trained and those he inspired. We mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader, teacher, father, friend, scientist and mentor.
Our sincere condolences to his family and our colleagues, friends and students.
26th February 2019
Prof Anastase Dzudie
