Tributes to Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury
The PHM celebrates the life and struggles for people’s right to health of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, co-founder of the PHM, activist and defender of the right to health, who’s leadership contributed to the realization of the first Assembly of the PHM, in Savar, Bangladesh (2000), and where this Movement with global reach was founded, and the fourth PHA (2018), in Dhaka also in Bangladesh.
PHM members, activists and family members gathered to pay tribute to “Zafar Bhai”, his life, leadership, struggles and achievements are an example and a path to follow for activists around the world.
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury - the indefatigable optimist (1941 to 2023)
Tributes received during memorial meeting organised by PHM on 6 May, 2023
Adsa Fatima, Sama Resource Group for Women and Health:
Revolutionary greetings to Dr Zafrullah and his strong legacy of committing to the cause of poor people's and groups' rights and health, and unflinching commitment to engage with the system and authority to make them see the cause! I personally met him only for a couple of minutes at Savar during PHA4. As others also mention, I found him to have an infectious energy and optimism in a very brief exchange. An inspiration to many I believe. Salaams and love to Shireen Apa in this difficult time of loss. Love, regards and condolence to all the PHM Bangladesh comrades, friends and everyone.
Bev, Health Action International Asia Pacific (HAIAP):
Zafrullah said he did not want to train women for stereotypical women’s work like the work supported by most ‘aid’ agencies. Women should do everything hither population cannot do without. At GK, women are electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, engineers, printers, carpenters as well as teachers and health workers, of course… everything. Dr. Zafrullah and GK continue to inspire in a new way every day. As Mira said, his brain was spinning. The whole world needs to know. He will continue to inspire us - It has been such a privilege to know him and love and respect him.
Chan Chee Khoon:
I first came across the phrase “The Good Fight” in 1986. It was only much later when I discovered that it came from the Bible:
‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith’.
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury’s life and work is a wonderful, inspiring example which we all cherish and try to emulate.
Oscar Lanza V. (Bolivia):
My sincere condolences. Dr. Zafrullah was an inspiring person, colleague and dear friend who was my mentor. I remember him with lot of gratitude. We shared efforts at WHO Assembles in Geneva and in many others events, learning from his amazing and fantastic experience and his passion. Thanks to him I learnt a lot and till now I continue struggles and efforts in Latin America and in Bolivia to promote Right to Health and access to Essential Medicines in Latin America. Rest in Peace dear friend and dear master.
Vincent Loos (France) :
Dear Shireen, Bishti and Bareesh, heartful and deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. It would be long to explain how much Dr. Zafrullah's energy, imagination, persuasive power and commitment to provide health for all has deeply inspired my own practice in France and Pakistan for Médecins sans Frontières and WHO. The year spent as a volunteer clinician at Nagar Hospital (1996-1997) in the middle of my post-graduation years has been a foundation. I remember with a lot of emotion your wonderful and friendly invitations at your home. I will miss Dr. Zafrullah but will keep his philosophy of healthcare delivery and dedication to the poor in my everyday practice. Sincere thoughts and prayers for your family to have the strength to bear this huge loss.
Tinashe, PHM-SA:
Long live the spirit of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. You will be dearly missed. You fought a good fight of Health for All and your legacy will last forever.
Jody Brotman:
Sending all my love and condolences to Shireen, Bareesh, Bristi and family from Hawaii.
Kajal:
For me, I realised what a rockstar I considered him, because when I did have a moment with him I was dumbstruck and the only thing I could blurt out was asking for his autograph. He looked baffled and then smiled and signed my PHA agenda. My photocopied version of 'The Politics of Essential Drugs' that Amit gave me is one of my most precious books and one that I don't even lend out. An essential book about essential drugs for all of us in the subsequent generations. Much love and sympathy to his family, friends, comrades and to everyone whose lives he touched whether they knew it or not.
Sharmeen Murshid:
Salute to this great man. We will his resounding voice of Truth! He lives in our hearts.
Melanie Alperstein:
Heartfelt condolences to Shireen and family. These wonderful tributes and memories will not be forgotten and will inspire many others. Thanks to the organisers of this reflection on a great human being.
Dr. Mira Shiva:
Dear Shireen , Barish , Brishti , and GK friends sharing your deep loss Remembering Dr Zafrullah . We are very very grateful that we came to know him, learn from him and be inspired by him
Anwar Fazal:
We shall make sure Zaffrullah's legacy continues through Health Action International Asia Pacific. We are meeting in Penang Malaysia at the end of this month (May 2023). He was to attend the meeting and we remember him and inspire a new generation.