Our community newsletter puts a spotlight on people who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support CRVS programmes in Asia and the Pacific, raise awareness of CRVS issues or lead CRVS improvement efforts in their home country or in the region. This month, we would like to dedicate this issue of Insight to Maletela Tuoane.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maletela Tuoane, Senior Health Specialist in the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank. Maletela passed away on April 7, 2025, leaving behind a significant legacy in her tireless work to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems worldwide.
Maletela was Lesotho's first PhD demographer. Joining the World Bank Group in 2016, her work was driven by an unwavering belief that every person deserved the dignity of having their life counted. The systems that Maletela helped build across 22 countries will continue her vital work, ensuring the fundamental rights are recognized and upheld for years to come.
More than just data, Maletela's work was a profound commitment to dignity, ensuring visibility and care for every individual, especially children. Her visionary approach focused on building sustainable systems that would serve communities far into the future, a goal she pursued with remarkable clarity, deep compassion, and quiet grace.
Within the Identification for Development (ID4D) community and beyond, colleagues remember Maletela for her radiant positivity, genuine warmth, and sharp intellect. A passionate advocate for children's right to legal identity, her generosity and impactful work have left an unforgettable mark on the lives of children worldwide.
On behalf of the CRVS community in Asia and the Pacific, and the broader health and development community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Maletela's family and friends. Her great contributions and determined dedication to ensuring every life counts will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
