Remembering Alan Magill

Dr Alan Magill oversaw the development and implementation of malaria eradication strategies for the Foundation. His work focused on using current tools and strategies, and developing new vaccines, diagnostics and antimalarial therapies. His ultimate aim was the eradication of malaria; he firmly believed that humanity could wipe out the disease and he made an extraordinary personal commitment towards realising this goal.

Before joining the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Alan worked at the Defense Advanced Research Program Agency, where he was responsible for accelerating program development for their pandemic influenza initiative. Dr Magill also served as Head of Parasitology at the US Navy’s Medical Research Center in Peru and lived in Germany, where he was a clinician.

Alan was a Past President of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, and spent 23 years volunteering his expertise and leadership to the Society. His praise for the selfless commitment of local and global health workers, and his humble commitment to improving the prospects of millions of children, have been noted by many.

A tribute from Bill and Melinda Gates said: “In his three years as Director of the Malaria Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Alan challenged his team to transform the vision of a malaria-free world into a reality. His death is a terrible loss, but we’re confident that his incredible moral and intellectual example will inspire others to work even harder to get the job done....We will miss Alan’s passion, his intellect, and his guidance. His work will continue through the strategies he set in motion. In the future, people will look back on what he did over the past few years and see it as the basis for eradicating malaria. Alan’s legacy is simple but profound: He saved lives.”

Many scientists involved in WWARN had the privilege to work with Alan. We extend our condolences to Alan’s family and friends, and colleagues across the world who were fortunate to know him.