In memory of Abdul-Malik Chantimah Abdul-Latif
It is with great sorrow that we report the sudden death of Abdul-Malik Chantimah Abdul-Latif (“Malik”) in Tamale, Ghana. Malik was a Chevening Scholar on the Department’s MSc in Health and International Development, and graduated in 2020. This blog offers a space for LSE friends to share their memories of Malik, and their condolences to his family. Please share messages on this memorial page by using the comment function below.
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Malik was passionate about using research in service of improving people’s lives. Before joining the LSE he worked with the Ghana Health Service, describing as a “privilege” his work in rural areas to improve primary healthcare. Malik was focused on how he could help others, from implementing a WhatsApp intervention to improve maternal referrals, helping fight misinformation about Covid-19 to writing critically about the use of drones for healthcare delivery.
Malik joked – but he was absolutely serious – that he had a 10-year plan: to get a PhD and continue his research in Ghana to improve the health outcomes of people in his country. Following a Master in Public Health, his 10-year plan led him to the LSE, where he wanted to gain a broader perspective on health issues. During his time in London, Malik was a valued member of the student group, known for his empathy and care for others. He was always ready with a kind word or a joke, despite the hardships of being a student in London during the COVID pandemic and being separated from his wife and young family. It was difficult for him – like many others – but he kept focused on his 10-year plan. He was well on his way to achieving this, including his contributions to research on equitable access to quality trauma systems in low- and middle-income countries.
At the time of his death he was a Research Associate and Project Development Manager at IPA Ghana, a non-profit organisation that runs research projects to alleviate poverty. He had been working at IPA for a year, and had already made his mark in their office in Tamale – a position that allowed him “to give back to [his] region” . There, he was a charismatic mentor for many of his talented junior colleagues. Experienced researchers from many universities, including LSE, were grateful to work with him on complex studies; his patience, knowledge and kind smile made all the discussions easier, and deeper. In his job, he was honing his own research skills, and refining ideas for his future PhD.
Malik knew the value of education, but also how much talent can be wasted due to financial barriers. It is testament to Malik’s commitment to helping others that he co-founded Impact Aid Africa. Having experienced first-hand the value of receiving the guidance of experienced peers, Malik personally mentored several African students who won a Chevening scholarship in 2020. Far from stopping there, he decided to “scale-up” his generosity through the establishment of a formal mentorship programme that has since helped more than 100 young individuals from African countries, many of whom received scholarships. You can read the tribute of Impact Aid Africa to Malik here. As if this contribution was not enough, at the time of his death he was also personally supporting the medical studies of several individuals in Ghana.
Malik is survived by his wife and young children, as well as his younger siblings and parents, to whom we offer our deepest condolences.
Plans are underway to set up a fund for Malik’s family. We shall share details here.
Professor Ernestina Coast and Dr Mylene Lagarde
During his time at LSE ID, Malik made this short vlog about his experiences as an MSc Health and International Development student.
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Malik will be solely missed. Great friend and an awesome person all round.
My deepest condolences to Malik’s family and friends – it is a truly huge loss!
I had the immense pleasure of teaching Malik during his time at LSE ID – he came to the classroom with so much experience and a real passion for learning. He always asked for specific readings to widen his knowledge, posed critical questions of the debates we were engaged in, and was ever-willing to share his insights and experiences. I was also grateful for Malik’s presence in the classroom – he could diffuse a tense group conversation with a joke or a wry observation; gifting us laughter along with learning. Malik and I also had many office hour discussions about his 10-year plan, the complexities/unfairness of UK visa regimes, and his PhD plans. His ambition and irrepressible enthusiasm were a joy to witness and support.
I was particularly struck by Malik’s care for his peers – not just in how he interacted with them, but in how he took the time to engage quieter students in group discussions or point out when someone hadn’t had an opportunity to speak. When the COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to virtual spaces in the middle of the programme, Malik was one of the first to suggest organising regular sessions to meet online. In the quizzes or “watch parties” we organised, Malik would make sure to ask every single person how they were, how their families were doing, and how they were looking after themselves.
Malik’s loss will be felt for a long time to come.
May he go well.
Malik had a smile that could light up an entire room and a contagious positivity. He was a special soul and you could tell right away. I was a student on the MSc with Malik and seeing him always put a smile on my face and changed my mood for the better . He was friendly , caring , inquisitive, kind and charismatic. I remember him telling me about his family and children who he loved so much . I remember him being in wonder of England and the city . My father was sick at the time and he always checked in and asked how he was. Malik leaves a legacy of kindness , compassion, positivity and social impact . I am deeply saddened by his loss and believe that the world has lost a special soul too soon. Sending love and condolences to all his friends and family. As they say in the Jewish tradition “may his memory be a blessing “ ♥️
This was truly a sad and shocking news! My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I remember Malik as one of the first friends that I made at the Welcome Week. I saw him when lining up to take a picture with LSE Beaver. We took 1-2 classes together. He was a very kind, smart and critical person. Gone too soon…
So heartbreaking to hear this. We lost touch over the past year but I will always remember how sweetly he spoke to me and how warm and kind he always was.
He was probably one of my first friends at LSE – always ready for a chat and to discuss how I was feeling about the course etc. He had a real passion for helping people – right from people back in his own country to those who he met in the corridors of the LSE.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and solace in his dear memory.
I remember 6 January 2020 afternoon after praying dhuhr, I ate my lunch in front of LSE interfaith room alone. Malik came and introduced himself to me, and we continued to talk as he kept me company when I finish my lunch. My first impression of him was he is very kind, friendly, and smart. Even in the first meeting, he shared how much he cared about his country, and the cause that led him to continue his study in LSE.
During the pandemic and dissertation time, Malik continued to be a caring friend who check in on every one of his friend. It has been a delight to continue to hear his progress in LinkedIn after graduation. This news is definitely heartbreaking. But may he go well, may he rest in peace. May the surviving family are given strength and fortitude.
Malik will be missed !.
My sincere condolences to Malik’s family. Malik and I used to speak to each other almost everyday during our time at LSE and he continued to stay in touch post that as well. He would always greet me with a warm smile and spoke passionately about his culture, struggles, family, challenges and opportunities in making healthcare accessible in low and middle income countries. You will be dearly missed, Malik. May your soul rest in peace.
Malik and I used to speak to each other everyday during our time at LSE and he continued to stay in touch post that as well. He would always greet me with a warm smile and spoke passionately about his culture, family, struggles, challenges and opportunities in making quality healthcare accessible in low and middle income countries. You will be dearly missed, Malik. Sincere condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.
It’s hard to describe how shocked and heartbreaking I am when hearing Malik’s passing. It feels like yesterday we had the MSc programme together in LSE. He is such a friendly, kind, helpful and warm person that cares for everyone. As a quiet student in the class, Malik always invited me to join discussions and he was also the first person to say hi to me and give me a big smile at the freshman event. During the covid-19 pandemic when we were all taking online classes, Malik still got in touch with everyone and showed strong concern for each of us. It’s very lucky for me to be a friend of him. I can still remember the conversations I had with him, that he told me about his family, his education path, his work experience and his ambitions, which all impressed me so deeply. I will always value the care and encouragement Malik gave me, and cherish the memory with him at LSE.
My deepest condolences to Malik’s family and loved ones. You will be missed forever, my friend. May your soul rest in peace.
I never had the privilege of meeting Malik in person, but fate brought us together during the challenging days of the study phase during Covid when we both participated in study sessions organised by the Student Services Centre. In those virtual sessions, I was fortunate to spend a few hours with Malik in breakout rooms on Zoom. Despite our brief encounter, his geat personality left an indelible impression. I particularly recall a conversation we had after Eid, where he mentioned his intention to fast for the 6 days of Shawal. I thought to myself, “Masha Allah, what a remarkable person!”
I then followed Malik’s journey on LinkedIn. As I read through the heartfelt comments from those who had the privilege of knowing him better, my initial impression of Malik is resoundingly confirmed.
I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to Malik’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May Allah accept his countless good deeds and grant him a place in Jannat al Firdous. Ameen.
There was not a single person in our Master’s course that did not know Malik. Since our first day at LSE, he was friendly, warm and positive and most importantly, he was immensely kind. One particular thing that will stay in my memory is his commitment to always bringing people together and making sure everyone, including our quieter peers, felt like a part of a community – even whilst we were all in lockdown.
My deepest condolences to Malik’s family and loved ones (who he spoke of so lovingly) – the LSE community will always remember him.
Malik coached me at IPA. He was teaching me a lot. His passing is something I am yet to come to terms with. I didn’t have the urge to continue life struggles again, looking at his demise. But if there’s one thing I learn from his life, it is that ‘Malik fought till he dropped’ so should we all. Hmmmm
What a tragedy! Rest in perfect peace my dear friend. The world will sorely miss your unending kindness and smile! 🙁
I am profoundly saddened by the news of the loss of my dear friend, Abdul Malik. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends – We will truly miss you, Malik.
The first time I met Malik was during the kick off event of the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) at the London School of Economics (LSE), back in September 2019. Full of spontaneous dreams, we were extremely excited to go back to University and -at the same time- joking how we were joyfully struggling to navigate and settle down in London. Naturally, we kept in touch, and only few days later, we luckily find ourselves as flatmates.
Always with his gentle smile and humorous way, Malik has taught us a lot about Ghana and about his powerful vision for a society in which people care about “collective good”, even during the hardest COVID times. It was important for you to help young African students growing and reaching a greater impact, and your tireless commitment for mentorship and proud contribution to the “Impact Aid Africa” project will continue to inspire everyone us.
Malik will be remembered as a very talented public health professional with a great passion for constructive criticism and deep dedication to help his friends growing.
Rest in peace, my friend. You are greatly missed.
We at the Chevening Secretariat are so sorry to hear of Malik’s passing and would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the Chevening community.
I was his Chevening Programme Officer UK during his time at LSE in 2019-20 and I found his passion for public health truly inspiring. The comments from others here are testament to the impact he made on his course mates and professors whilst completing his MSc in Health and International Development, and it’s wonderful to hear about the work he did mentoring other young African scholars via Impact Aid Africa. It’s clear that Malik had all the best qualities of a Chevening scholar and alumnus – bold, determined, focused, supportive and passionate – qualities which undoubtedly made our community, and his, a better place. May he rest in peace.
My friend! It has taken me a long time, to find the courage to write this! I have cried, prayed and questioned the existence or will of God. Interestingly these are emotions we shared as flatmates, Africans and dreamers in London.
I cannot even remember any dull moment with you. “Malik is my name!” You always said with a shy smile. We lived through some of the toughest moments when COVID hit, yet you made every day a mission to help someone. Watching you learn how to cook was real delight. You made Leyton 15 a home for us, even though we were all so far from our families.
I choose to celebrate your life, because I think you lived. The legacy and impact you have left cannot be measured in the number of your days. There are many who now find a reason to live because you lived, loved and gave of yourself until there was nothing left to give.
So rest easy kind sir… You are loved!