A friend and colleague
November 9, 2009
Our dear colleague and cherished friend Gilbert Kombe passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning, November 6th, 2009, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Karin Theophile Kombe, a son, Adrian Kafita, and daughter, Emily Porter, of Takoma Park, Maryland.
Gilbert was important to us professionally and personally and had a great impact throughout the world as a clinician, professor, project leader, mentor, and friend. His colleagues describe him as larger than life, one who could juggle multiple professional commitments but always putting his family first. Despite all of the demands on his time, he personally touched so many of us.
Gilbert was at the forefront of applying health systems strengthening approaches to the global HIV/AIDS response. His technical leadership and vision were recognized throughout the international community. Gilbert is remembered for his infinite patience and his ability to work in any setting, be it a local clinic in Nairobi or the Global Fund headquarters in Geneva.
A native of Zambia, Gilbert received his M.D. degree from Tongji Medical University in China and his MPH from George Washington University.
To make a contribution to the Kombe Children College Fund, please send your check, payable to Kombe Children College Fund, c/o Abt Associates, 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 800 North, Bethesda, MD 20814-3343.
Information about memorial service planning will be available soon.
We invite you to share condolences, tributes, and memories of Gilbert with each other and with Gilbert’s family by posting in the comments section below. If you wish to send photos or other mementos, please email info@healthsystems2020.org. These memories will be compiled into a book and given to Gilbert’s children, so that they will always know the wide net their father cast in his professional and personal life.
November 15, 2009 at 7:53 pm
My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Gilbert Kombe, who my wife and I knew briefly during his and Karin’s time in Mt. Pleasant, DC. We hope that the strength and perseverence that Gilbert always had will inspire all of them. It was a great shock to us to learn of his passing. A beautiful couple who were gentle and kind to all. Love to your wife, your children and all who had the privilege to know you.
November 15, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Gilbert was a very professional colleague and the times I have met him, he shared a strong passion for doing things right and professionally to help solve the special HRH challenges Africa faced. My sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family. It is a loss for all of us.
November 14, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the news of Dr. Kombe’s untimely passing. I had the honor of taking his course on Global Health and Development in the Africa Region, while I was at GW. It was by far my favorite course as I found Dr. Kombe to be brilliant and inspiring. We have lost a true champion in his death and he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
November 14, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Gilbert Kombe when he was in Mozambique last August, planing his coming with his family, to work on a major project in health sector. Indeed, this is a sudden and very sad news. My condolences to his family.
November 14, 2009 at 7:09 pm
This is so very sad. I talked to Gilbert just a few weeks ago… My thoughts are with you.
November 14, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I would like to extend deepfelt condolences to Gilbert’s friends and family. I only had the opportunity to meet Gilbert a handful of times over the last few years in the context of his work in health worforce strengthening. Yet, his extensive expertise combined with his quiet humility left an indelible mark on me and all those who had the opportunity to work with him. Many of us at IntraHealth were very much looking forward to learning from him and benefiting from his wisdom and voice through our new partnership with Abt Associates. He will be sadly missed by many.
Rebecca Kohler
IntraHealth International
November 14, 2009 at 12:19 am
This is indeed sudden and very sad news. My deepest condolences to his family.
Sarah Orndorff, PhD
Dept of Health Policy
School of Public Health and Health Services
George Washington University
November 13, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I am so saddened to hear of Gilbert Kombe’s death. My condolences to his family and colleagues. He is missed at the School of Public Health and Health Services.
Caroline Sparks, Ph.D.
Director of Health Promotion
Dept of Prevention and Community Health
SPHHS, The George Washington University.
November 13, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Gilbert:
Amigo mio, te voy a extrañar mucho. Gracias por tu amistad y por tu apoyo durante mis estudios y mi profesion. Siempre seras un ejemplo en mi vida!
Keep Smiling,
Martin
November 13, 2009 at 7:52 pm
My heartfelt condolences to Gilbert’s family on this sad loss.
November 13, 2009 at 7:42 pm
The testimonials posted above eloquently show how much Gilbert Kombe will be missed throughout the world. While my present location in Ecuador seems far removed in space and time from our personal and professional collaboration at the George Washington University, I feel the void, but at the same time am very grateful for the time we shared.
What set Gilbert apart was not only his technical capacity and grasp of critical issues (for which he was much respected), but also his human qualities. He cared deeply about global health in terms of human issues that affect the most vulnerable and, hence, all of us. He transmitted that quality to everyone he touched (whether MPH students and colleagues at GW, health officials in the District of Columbia, Eastern European fellows, or counterparts from China to Africa). His legacy will live on through those who knew him, worked with him, studied under him or who in so many ways were enriched by his too-short time with us.
November 13, 2009 at 6:59 pm
To state that this is shocking news is an understatement. The Global health community lost a great professional who eloquently combined brilliance with empathy. Personally, I have lost a very dear friend and colleague whom I have known since 2001. My prayers are with his family.
November 13, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Many members of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance staff, in the UK, the US, and around the world, will miss the brilliance and passion Gilbert brought to the field, particularly in the areas of health systems strengthening and costing.
Our condolences to Gilbert’s family, to Abt, and to all who benefited so greatly from his wisdom and his work.
November 13, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Gilbert has been a friend and colleague for a number of years and I will miss him very much. Most recently, he has served as a member of the GW team coordinating the Sub-Saharan Medical School Study (SAMSS). He brought wonderful wisdom and experience to the team as well as to the SAMSS Advisory Committee comprised of leaders in medical education and health policy in Africa. Many have expressed their personal sadness to me and I want to pass these caring sentiments along to Gilbert’s family, friends and colleagues.
He will be missed on many continents.
Peace,
Fitzhugh Mullan
November 13, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I think that all of us knowing Gilbert are under shock hearing these incredible sad news! His spirit, his smille, his energy and his positive approach towards life and work, seemed to be immortal….. and yet, one more time, we were wrong!!!! It is a huge loss for all of us,but first of all,for his family, wife and children!
I am so so sorry and sad! I hope we will all keep him in our mind and remember him as he was during his life and, how he will probably be somewhere up there!
November 13, 2009 at 1:54 pm
On behalf of the Project Managment Unit of TB CAP I would like to send our condolences to Gilbert’s family and colleagues.
We had the opportunity to work with Gilbert within the TB CAP Nigeria project where he facilitated a training on project management. He had an enthuasistic and charismatic approach that was appreciated by all of the participants. We are are sure that this will be missed by many.
Warm regards,
Sara Massaut,
TB CAP PMU
November 13, 2009 at 10:40 am
Deepest Condolences to Karen and the Children, Its sad ti imagine that this has happened, my prayer is that the Almighty God will comfort you during this sad period. Our will always treasure the memories we shared with you guys during our honeymoon when we visited you in Washington DC and how Stephen and I felt so warm and welcome in your home.
He was the most gentle man I have come across.
MHSRIP
November 13, 2009 at 9:46 am
We had not known Gilbert & family at all but reading through his book of condolences left us feeling emotionally moved and encouraged. May the Lord God Almighty give every one, and more especially the family, grace, strength & comfort.
November 13, 2009 at 6:43 am
This is a very sad news!
We will certainly miss Gilbert, in the past six years we have been teaching together at the Warsaw/Riga WHO-KNCV training course and he was one of the most distinguished facilitators who was always very well respected by the participants and other facilitators. God bless him.
My deepest condolences to his wife and children.
Sincerely,
Masoud Dara
November 13, 2009 at 4:51 am
The eloquence of so many great people above speaks to the caliber of Dr. Kombe both on the global stage and face to face. For many of us young folks at Abt puzzling out the beginnings of our careers, Dr. Kombe was indeed a kind, graceful, and consummately professional mentor and role model in the hall, in the office, and in the field. And as its been said somewhere above, no matter how busy Gilbert was brilliantly and delicately balancing global agendas and solutions, he always seemed to make the time to listen, genuinely advise, and care about you. This defined him. Gilbert just seemed nothing short of a devoted father, industrious colleague, physician, and humanitarian. The quality and type of work he was known for inspired so many of us to further our schooling and/or commitment within global health. His inspiration and example will live on in the hearts of the all those he worked with and mentored and we are lucky to have been in his presence and learned what we could from him in the brief time we had with him. What the world could do with a few more like Dr. Kombe.
November 13, 2009 at 1:40 am
I am shocked and so incredibly saddened about Dr. Kombe’s passing. He was an amazing professor and mentor who I learned a tremendous amount from. He will be greatly missed.
November 12, 2009 at 4:29 pm
My condolences to Mrs Kombe and the kids. I have known Dr Kombe since 1985, was in the same intake in China. I promised to visit him in DC, too late now! another briliant mind lost!
Rest in peace pengyou
MHSRIP
November 12, 2009 at 3:56 pm
My heart felt condolences to Gilbert’s wife and children.I enjoyed working with Gilbert at Kitwe Central Hospital,Zambia 1992 -1993.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace
November 12, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I have in the last year, gotten to know Gilbert as he and his family was planning to move to Southern Africa. USAID knew he was the best around in this business of health systems, health financing etc and wanted him in Africa doing his work. And the benefit he wanted to be in Africa too and his family was willing to go- Even better the best family situation ended up being Mozambique and the bonus for me is my family and my job is moving to Mozambique as well in 2010- I was looking forward to getting know Gilbert, his family, his families laser tag skills, his work and share collaborations on a regional level with him- I had just talked to him in early Oct in DC at the loud, obnoxious RRB food cafeteria about all of this-life changes, life in Tk PK (where my family used to live as well) finding balance by not traveling 70% of your time, the work in Lesotho, work in Mozambique- more coutries that needed and wanted his guidance- and then a tragic email I received last Friday- It was absolutely devastating- Not only will I miss him but I will miss the gap I have now of not getting to know him better- the USAID Regional HIV/AIDS Team will miss him, the US teams in our region will miss him and the government counterparts he so cleverly aligned with will miss him- rest in peace Gilbert- my heartfelt thanks for being able to share a piece of time in my life with such a commendable human being- he has taught and mentored so many that his spirit and wisdom will keep on going and going and going long after—
November 12, 2009 at 2:34 pm
My Condolences to the family, workmates,friends and coleagues on the terrible loss.
MHSRIP
November 12, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I am truly saddened and shocked by Dr. Gilbert death. He was top on the list of brilliant, experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated people I ever met, known, and heard about. He was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity. It was with his advice and support that I have started my second Degree on public health ………..it is not difficult to imagine how much he was kind and supportive to change even the life of individuals. I know how much I would have been happy, had I told him that I am on the verge of my graduation.
Gilbert’s memory will always remain deep within my heart.
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family…. May Allah bless his family and make strong in this difficult time!
With deepest sympathy,
November 12, 2009 at 1:03 pm
To dear Karin,
The extremely sad news of Dr.Gilbert Kombe’s death is something that can still hardly believe. It is impossible to put in to words how I feel. My deepest sympathy goes to you and your two kids in this letter, which is a very weak expression of all that I am thinking. Dr. Gilbert was so greatly loved and respected by all and I sincerely mourn the loss of an elder friend, teacher and tutor who endeared himself to everyone. He will be remembered for ages to come by several persons and institutions with which he was associated; the loss is no doubt great and irrecoverable.
May God Bless his Soul in Heaven,
With True Sympathy,
Sincerely,
Tadesse Alemayehu (tadessealemayehu@gmail.com)
Ethiopia
November 12, 2009 at 10:08 am
I have crossed paths wtih Gilbert in Zambia on a couple of occasions. He has always struck me as devoted to his work. He cares deeply about people and he wanted to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Gilbert also has a wonderful personality, his smile and gentle ways made everyone feel good and when he spoke of his family, he expressed himself in a way that confirmed that he loved and cared for them very, very much. Gilbert is a unique person, the kind you remember and think of even long afterwards.
November 12, 2009 at 8:28 am
I was very sad to hear Gilbert’s untimely and sudden death…I knew Gilbert while working for Abt associates on Private Sector Program in Ethiopia (2007-2009)….three things about this wonderful person is going to endure in my memory : His uniqu gift to dissect health system problems; his bottomless dedication to bring HIV /TB on their knees ; his infectious smile and very very kind heart always willing to lift you up from wherever you maybe …My sincere condolence to his griefing family
November 12, 2009 at 8:21 am
Gilbert was a friend, a brother and a mentor. Right from his maiden trip to Nigeria late 2003, we struck a cord of friendship and mutual belief in the common cause of working more for the good of others than self. I found in him a rare attribute of patience, understanding and ability to navigate through all problems no matter how difficult.
He came to Nigeria in 2003 with his classmate and colleague Dr Chizoba Nwabara with a strong passion to establish the ideas of a good health system in Nigeria which presented back then a very difficult terrain and operational environment. Despite all frustrations, risks and obstacles, Gilbert remained undetterred and it stands to his credit that Nigeria was able to generate important data from surveys which where hitherto impossible to conduct. His pioneering efforts in costing and rapid assessment of the HIV/AIDS situation in Nigeria ensured that Nigeria was able to benefit from the PEPFAR grant. All the millions of people who have benefitted from the PEPFAR program in Nigeria one way or the other will never have had the opportunity if not for Gilbert’s skills and determination. It is an irony of fate that while Gilbert and Chizoba’s dream for Nigeria has continued to manifest as Government and other stakeholders pay more attention to Health System Strenghtening issues, both Chizoba and Gilbert lost their lives at such young and tender ages.
Gilbert’s leadership and integrity also helped in ensuring the success of the various projects Abts has implemented in Nigeria. The mention of his name was enough to open the doors of governement officials and other stakeholders at all times.I believe the crowning glory of his remarkable work in Nigeria is the PATH 2 project which Abts is currently implementing.
Through his inspiration and encouragement, African Health Project made mostly of the researchers that he has trained and mentored over the years has continued to expand in scope and activities working in various communities in Nigeria. Gilbert has a large family of admirers and devotees in Nigeria under the umbrella of the African Health Project who will forever miss him. We believe that his labour of love and service to mankind will never be in vain.
His family and loved ones should be consoled by the fact that life is not how long but how well and Gilbert had a perfect understanding of the nature of life and he gave all his best to improve the lives and wellbeing of others. He fought a good fight and we pray that God in His infinite mercies will reward those he left behind abundantly and grant him the crown of eternal life.
Please keep us in the loop on the burial arrangements and on the educational trust fund.
November 12, 2009 at 7:45 am
Gilbert’s passing is a huge loss to the global health community. He was technically brilliant, devoted to improving the lives of the poor and was making a real difference combating HIV/AIDS in Africa. I remember Gilbert as a wonderful human being and a valued colleague. He always had a smile and time to speak with you. He had the unique ability of making everyone feel important even as he discussed complex health systems issues. It is hard to fathom why the life of such an accomplished, kind and caring human being was cut short.
November 12, 2009 at 5:43 am
It is a big shocking news for me to hear such sudden and unexpected death of Gilbert Kombe. I know him since 2002 during the training he conducted on health sector reform in Arusha.He is a dedicated person and always ready to help people in need. May God give patience to his family.
November 12, 2009 at 4:31 am
Am still at a loss my friend.I still cant believe you are gone. I wish i had a chance to say goodye.Iam sure you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace.
November 12, 2009 at 3:24 am
I was very sad to hear of Gilbert’s sudden and untimely death.
For those of us in our forties, the fight against AIDS has been a constant of our adult lives. Gilbert was one of the many who have spent a lifetime fighting AIDS – but he distinguished himself with a rare conviction and fervour. While I am sure that Gilbert took delight in the positive impact that he had upon business at Abt, his motivation was a humanistic one – stemming from his personal experiences as a Zambian in a country sorely affected by HIV. For the rest of us who did not have his depth of perspective he helped “keep it real”.
I worked with Gilbert for several year but he was a very private person, and I feel sad now that I never got to know him or his family better. Professionally he was calm, unruffled, and he provided advice that was pragmatic, compassionate and rooted in country experience.
My thoughts go out to his family, and particularly his children at this difficult time.
November 12, 2009 at 12:49 am
As a former PHRplus staff person, I was lucky to work with Gilbert on HIV/AIDS and health systems strengthening activities from 2001-2004. I learned a lot from Gilbert about HIV/AIDS and particularly African health systems, but my favorite memory of him is more personal. He used to tell me about how his son liked to sneak dinosaur toys into his luggage so Gilbert would always think of him while away on travel. He told that story wearing that great, warm smile of his, showing clearly how much both his kids meant to him.
My condelences to all of Gilbert’s family and friends at this sad time.
November 12, 2009 at 12:24 am
What a brother i had in you Ba Gil. Mom, BashiMwansa Kids and the rest of our family greatly miss you.You were a pillar in the Kombe. I hope you met Dad and he’ll take good care, showing the nicecient friends in heaven. We love you and we shall forever miss you. MSRIP. You’re one in a million BaGil’
November 11, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Gilbert Kombe was as fine a man as they come. He had a kind heart, a keen mind, and the biggest smile. It was the bigget smile you might run into all day. He dedicated his work life to improving the lives of others, and he succeeded. He appeared to balance these efforts with a dedication to his family. I believe he succeeded here too because as his neighbor and friend I have seen his two children grow up from infancy. Adrian and Emily are on their way to emulating both of their parents as fine people and good friends. Their father and mother have given them a wonderful foundation upon which to grow.
November 11, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Our deepest condolences to Gilbert’s wife and children and to Abt colleagues,
November 11, 2009 at 5:00 pm
my deepest condolences to Abt family, to Gilbert’s wife and children
May God accept him in his greatest paradise
November 11, 2009 at 4:49 pm
A childhood friend. Went to school together both in Zambia and China. Left Zambia for China in the same in-take. A friend I will dearly miss.
My deepest condonlences to Gilbert’s wife and children.
May your soul rest in peace my friend.
Chambo Phiri – Denmark
November 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm
The world has lost a great and gentle soul. Gilbert had such an impact on others. I had the privilege of being in a class he taught at George Washington University on development in the Africa Region as part of the MPH Global Health Program. He was an excellent professor, so engaging, knowledgeable and passionate. He was also genuine and down to earth and an excellent professional. Gilbert will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his wife and children. May Gold bless them and give them peace in this difficult time.
November 11, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I am saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of Prof. Kombe, a friend.
We did our MPH program @ GWU and thereafter in multiple occasions around the globe, we saw each other and always took time out to chat and carry out an informal debriefing session. We talked about where we were and what was next among other topics.
Gilbert, I will miss “running” into you and your warm greetings. A trade mark of yours.
To the entire family strength and wisdom in this difficult time, Giovanni
November 11, 2009 at 3:54 pm
It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that I learn today of Dr. Gilbert Kombe’s untimely passing. I had the privilege to call Gilbert my colleague since he joined Abt Associates’ Partners for Health Reform Plus Project to lead its work in health system strengthening in HIV/AIDS.
Before Gilbert’s arrival, the USAID HIV/AIDS community lacked a health system strengthening advocate who truly understood the clinical challenges of HIV/AIDS and the realities of strengthening developing country health systems. Gilbert came into the USAID HIV/AIDS and health system strengthening field with exactly the right combination of skills and experience to take on this leadership role. Through his dedication, tireless efforts and brilliant intellect, Gilbert became a global leader in strengthening developing country health systems in the era of HIV/AIDS. As an African physician, Gilbert could relate to other health care professionals as a peer and colleague. With his tremendous personal stature, Gilbert engaged policymakers in the US, developing countries and on the global stage with equal ease.
Gilbert used his unique leadership position to bring innovations into practice that have enabled countries throughout Africa and other parts of the developing world to better confront human resource, financial and other challenges so they can deliver better health care to people in need. At heart, innumerable people throughout the world are alive and better off today because of Gilbert’s leadership. So it is particularly sad that health care did not save Gilbert.
Gilbert’s formidable intellect was matched by his elegant and understated manner. I have never met anyone else who was able to learn the Chinese language so quickly or to learn it well enough to then use it to master medicine. Gilbert was so productive in his leadership role in health system strengthening and HIV/AIDS that it is hard to believe that he also mentored a generation of new leaders in global health in his role as professor of public health at George Washington University. Yet I am aware of this in part because of the many young public health professionals I came across in my work who all shared a certain star struck quality when speaking of their admired professor. Gilbert’s star quality often seemed to have that effect at USAID as well. I remember USAID colleagues around the world stretching internal systems inside out because they did not want SOMEONE to help them—they wanted GILBERT to help them! I doubt that Gilbert ever encountered an obstacle that could not be moved by his smile. Anyone on the opposite side of a negotiation table would have been well advised to give up in the face of that smile.
I am so very sorry for this tragic loss—to Gilbert’s family and to the community of mankind to which Gilbert gave so much. I am reminded of the caption I once saw under a photo of another rare individual “Look closely – for you won’t see my kind again.” May God bless and keep Gilbert’s loved ones and may they be comforted in some small measure by the knowledge of what a difference Gilbert made in the lives of so many others.
November 11, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Dear all,
I was deeply saddened by the death of Gilbert. This must be very difficult for his family and his colligues.
Gilbert was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I remember the time when he was in my office explaining to me about the innovative approach to planning, costing and M&E that needs to piloted. I deeply admired his technical competence and excellent communication skills.
Gilbert has passed on to a better place now. We can take comfort and strength from the wonderful partnership we had with him.
May God bless his friends and his family during this difficult time and always.
Nejmudin Kedir Bila
November 11, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I was shocked when i heard the death of Dr. Gilbert Kombe whom i knew through the Abt/private sector program in Ethiopia(Feb. 2005- Sep. 2008). Every contact i had with Gibert was a learning oppotunity and an opportunity to getting to know more of his qualities-a personal quality that you find rearly. He was such a pragamtic, down to earth and resourceful person who has always ideas and solutions, specific to country and even facility level. It is no doubt a big loss for Ethiopia/Africa and for those of us who seek his support at all times, even in our personal health. I don’t forget the time when Gilbert was behind me in USA, when most needed for medical advice. Thanks to the late Gilbert’s advice, i learned to live with my back pain! He was one of those individuals who impacted my life. My heart felt condolence goes to his family, collegues and friends.
Yoseph Burka
November 10, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Another brave warrior has pased on. He was a dear friend and a family man. We will miss him greatly. I last spoke to him on the phone in 2008. He told me about the good work he was doing around the world. We discussed of getting together at some point and share our common experiences in China but we never did. MHSRIP.
November 10, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I have never met Gilbert before neither have i seen a picture of him save for today. Last week i read a concept paper he wrote on MDR-TB and i was marvelled at the brilliance and articulation of his thoughts towards achieving success in MDR-TB programming. I discussed with my colleague, Temitayo and she told me to wait until i meet him so i could share in what they had shared in him (his brillaince, dedication to both family and work, vision, leadership, etc.). I waited and longed but alas the day will never come again. Rest In Peace, Gilbert. There are lives you never knew and you will never know you touched. I honestly waited to meet you…
November 10, 2009 at 9:46 am
Stunned, disbelief, overwhelming sadness… My heart goes out to his family and children.
Thank you for the site, and please let us know how we can contribute to the Memorial Fund as it becomes established.
Thank you,
Sara Netzer
November 10, 2009 at 8:03 am
The sudden passing away of Gilbert is shocking. Only last month had I mentioned him to my colleague Susna who joined us at USAID Namibia from Abt associates reminiscing over his intelligence passion and his ability to communicate Health systems strenghthnig to simple minded. He will be sorely missed and my heeartfelt condolences go to his family and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace
November 10, 2009 at 6:49 am
When I received Gilbert’s CV about two months ago for the work in Lesotho on 20/20 project. After going through his CV, I told myself I need to align my CV to look like Gilbert’s.