It was with profound sadness that TB/HIV Care learnt that our beloved Senior Advisor, Ria Grant, passed away on Tuesday, 17 November. She died peacefully while she was in frail care. Her husband, Richard, was by her side.

Ria was a wonderful person who touched everyone she met with her positive energy, good humour and caring nature. She was an inspiring mentor to many and will be missed by all who knew and worked with her.

Ria joined TB Care Association as a case worker in 1976, rose to the position of Director in 1992 and helped build the organisation into a leading South African TB NGO. In 2008, she helped guide and implement the transformation of the organisation into one that also addressed HIV – TB/HIV Care Association.

Ria joined The Global Fund to Fight AIDS/HIV, TB and Malaria’s Developing Country NGO Delegation in 2009, became the African Regional Communications Focal Point in 2010 and the Lead Communications Focal Point from 2012 to 2014.  She was a strong advocate for TB and community systems strengthening at local, national and international levels.

The world has lost a great leader who cared for people with TB and their families for almost 40 years of her life. Her life should give us strength and resolve to end TB within the next 40 years.