An exceptional leader – with a heart for community
Mr. Elias Phiri was a towering community HIV advocate, a dedicated campaigner and influential Zambian Diaspora community leader. He was a consummate networker and an exceptional human being for those who had the privilege to meet or know him personally or professionally.
On the 26th of December 2020, he was admitted into the Intensive Therapy Unit at St. Georges Hospital in London, United Kingdom where he remained for about three weeks. Despite the best efforts of the clinical care team his condition deteriorated and unfortunately, he lost the fight on 27th January 2021. Elias is survived by his wife and 3 children.
His life and work – keeping people at the centre
At the time of his death, Elias was a Health Advisor with Barts NHS Trust and the Fast-Track Cities Programme Manager at Africa Advocacy Foundation –in addition to many other advocacy and community health promotion roles. He was a Steering Committee member of One Voice Network and a long-term member of the European AIDS Treatment Group. Elias was a founder member and a Trustee of the charity Addington Afro-Ethnic Health Promotion Group and had previously worked with Terrence Higgins Trust, TB Alert and Luangwa Integrated Resources Programme in Zambia.
Elias was a leading force in the fight against HIV and particularly in promoting PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic he was a leading voice in sensitising communities against COVID-19. He mentored, trained, and supported many people in the health sector and set up platforms including the Global Advocates Forum for advocates, health workers and patients to enable them to interact, share knowledge, experiences and information.
Elias made commendable contributions to Zambian communities in the UK and around the world. He was instrumental in the establishment of supportive and vibrant Zambian Diaspora chapters, community led organisations and groups. He was a pioneer of Zambians Together, a non-profit organisation set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he co-founded and led as President from March 2020 until his untimely passing. Under his leadership, the organisation became a forerunner in Zambian Diaspora engagement, facilitating collaboration with the Zambian Government and its High Commission to the UK.
Elias was a great communicator who touched many lives and brought diverse communities together around the world. Many of us have very fond memories of Elias, be it at international or local forums – with his highly infectious laugh, always organising community meetings, dinners and supporting advocates from all over the world to participate in different conferences. His kindness, good spirit, warmth, dedication and advocacy skills will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the global community.
Raising funds for his burial and family A GoFund Me page has been set up in collaboration with Zambians Together and One Voice Network for the purpose of raising funds, that will go towards organising a befitting funeral for our hero and supporting his family during this difficult time. Should you wish to donate, please visit this link:https://www.gofundme.com/f/elias-phiri-fund 
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