It is with deep sadness that we learnt of the death of Maximilian G. Kilipamwambu, one of Uniting’s youth advocates and champions.

Max’s life has been devastatingly cut short, but what he was able to achieve in his short life will inspire many.

Max was committed to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and to using his voice to uplift others. 

When the UK Government announced cuts to NTD programmes in 2021 as part of wider aid cuts, Max swung into action. He led visits to a number of embassies in Africa to meet with diplomats and express the disappointment of Africa’s youth. He wanted to share  how devastating this would be for people affected by NTDs and see what could be done to reverse this decision. We were inspired by his leadership, his proactiveness and his desire to do so much good – all  demonstrated at such a young age.

He helped establish the Southern African Youth Forum where he was championing NTDs within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), and he was achieving so much.

Just recently, he won an Outstanding Youth in Healthcare Advocacy Award as part of Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards 2022. We are proud that he was able to be recognised and celebrated. We know that had Max’s life continued, he would have gone on to accomplish even greater things.

Our sincere condolences go to Max’s family and to his friends at this time of profound loss. We know that our Youth Combatting NTDs family is heartbroken by Max’s passing and we send each and every one of you our love and support.

We will continue the work that Max cared so deeply about and we will continue our support to youth fighting NTDs. We will never forget his legacy as a champion. We will never forget our friend and brother Max.