I first met Prosper in Ifakara when I was working on my PhD. I knew of his work in Dar es Salaam, but it was a pleasure to chat with him about that work and many other topics. He was always kind and we kept in touch over the last 15 years or so.  The last few days I’ve been thinking about the last time we met in Dar. We had an “old men chat” about what we would do when we retired. He told me about plans that sounded so peaceful…I like to think he has found that peace. RIP Prosper….

Dear Doreen We’ve really struggled to think of what to say to you and the fine children you raised by example with Prosper. We’ve lost our brother-in-arms through even the most difficult of times, the world has lost a fine gentleman and exceptional leader and you’ve lost a kind, warm-hearted and thoroughly decent husband and father. What made Prosper special was his big heartedness, inclusiveness, consideration of others, vision for a better future for everyone in Africa, and committment to make that happen in practice. He is an enormous loss to everyone, you and the kids most of all, and will be terribly missed, especially by us. We share your grief from far too far away but hope you gain some consolation from the fact that he is now at peace. As difficult as it is while you mourn his tragic death, we hope you can also take some moments with family and friends to enjoy celebrating his exceptional life. Prosper changed so much for so many of us and his legacy will live on through his fine family, innumerable friends and indelible professional impact. With heartfelt condolences and the very warmest of hugs from a cold evening in Ireland…

Prosper was an inspiration and set the example for what we should all strive to be as scientists, leaders and human beings. My life is forever better for having him as a colleague and friend, and I will deeply miss being able to count on his guidance and insight. May his legacy thrive and continue to impact the world for the better….

I remember visiting Victoria Falls with you in Zimbabwe, a beautiful trip and an inspiring meeting led by you and Silas. Your wisdom your kindness your capacity to include all of us and pass on your faith and purpose made you exceptional. I will forever be glad to have spent time with you there and to have had the opportunity to work together. Thank you Prosper for all you have given us. Rest in peace…

A time shared on earth is time spent building it for the next generation and you did your part through family and science! I will remember those initial days in Dar IHI when I begun my science life while doing your PhD. You made us understand the rough path ahead but we navigated! Pole sana to familia, marafiki na IHI! RIP Prosper!…

Prosper will be sadly missed- he was a joy to work with and was always a welcome addition to any meeting. He was friendly, funny, smart and humble- a wonderful person. I was looking forward to working with him far into the future. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. …

Chacki’s smile and his strength of character are things I won’t forget. He was a deeply wise man. Sending my love to his family, and a sincere thank you to all of you for sharing him with us. We will keep our commitment as a community to promote health and prosperity everywhere, and in that way, you will still be with us….

A life lived in service to others never truly ends; it continues in every heart and community it transformed. RIP Prosper. You will be missed…

Dear Propsper, I used to call you P, and you would always respond with a warm smile, “Sema dada.” You believed in me and saw my potential even before I fully saw it myself. You encouraged me to start the WIVC programme and gave me unwavering support every step of the way. Your leadership at PAMCA was marked by calmness, humility, and a rare ability to bring people together. You listened, guided gently, and led by example, always creating space for others to grow. I will deeply miss our moments sitting together as colleagues, openly and positively critiquing one another, always with respect, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. You were truly a cornerstone of our success at PAMCA, not only for what you built, but for the values you instilled in all of us. Lala salama kaka, safiri salama, RIP P. You will be dearly missed….

Prosper made a profound impact on those around him, both scientifically and personally, and his legacy will continue through the many colleagues and students he supported. He was kind, gracious and welcoming, a rigorous and dedicated scientist, and an approachable mentor to many. He will be deeply missed. I am especially grateful to him for the kindness and patience he showed me when I arrived clueless in Ifakara to start my post-doc. Our last interaction was at a PhD defense of one of his students only a few months ago. He was so dedicated to his work. Prosper was one of a kind and a truly lovely human. …

Prosper, you left a mark on me that I will never forget. I like to think of you as a humble warrior. Calm but powerful. Never forgetting a name, always making people feel like part of your family and a smile and laugh that could change the spirit of a room….

My condolences to Prosper’s family.  Know that he was a highly respected  professional, a good friend to many and a kind, virtuous soul.  He will be missed….

You were not only a boss, but the best boss—kind, guiding, firm when needed, and always human. It was a great honor to work under your leadership and to learn from your wisdom, humility, and dedication. Your legacy of service, integrity, and care will live on in our hearts and in the many lives you touched. Fare thee well, Kaka. You will be deeply missed, never forgotten….

I was deeply privileged to work under the leadership of Dr. Prosper Chaki, a remarkable leader and an extraordinary human being. He was a man with a golden heart. Very humble, kind, and generous with his time and wisdom. Dr. Chaki believed in people and gave everyone a chance to learn, grow, and lead under his guidance. He led with integrity, and compassion, always fostering an environment of respect, teamwork, and encouragement. His ever-present smile, calm demeanor, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on all who had the honor of working with him. His leadership was not only about achieving results, but about nurturing people and building a shared vision grounded in humility and excellence. Pros, even in death, you will remain my ED for life.  You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace….

Prosper Chaki leaves us a legacy that goes far beyond science. He was a living inspiration through his intellectual rigour and his generous service. The PAMCA family will never be the same without his presence: his vision, his wisdom and the rare humanity that so deeply marked us will be forever missed. His absence is profoundly painful, but his example lives on in the ideas he planted and in the lives he touched. To his family, friends and all those who shared his journey, I extend my sincerest condolences and solidarity at this time of sorrow. May his memory continue to guide and inspire us….