By Jenny Andrews, Executive Director, Malaria Partners International
In the world of philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, few individuals stand out as much as Bill Feldt. Since 2019, when he played a pivotal role in securing Rotary’s first Programs of Scale grant, Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia (PMFZ), Bill has exemplified the true spirit of service and dedication. His relentless drive and genuine kindness have made a profound impact on countless lives, inspiring others to join the fight against malaria in Africa.
Bill’s journey with PMFZ has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to see the big picture while meticulously attending to the vital details has been instrumental in the program’s success. Over three years, PMFZ trained, equipped, and deployed 2,500 Community Health Workers across Zambia, directly contributing to a significant reduction in malaria incidence and fatalities. This achievement stands as a testament to Bill’s unwavering commitment and energy.
What sets Bill apart is not just his leadership but his authentic warmth. People are drawn to him—not only because of his impressive accomplishments but also due to his sincere belief in the power of Rotary to effect change. His charisma and passion encourage those around him to rise to the occasion and do whatever it takes to make a difference. In every interaction, Bill fosters a spirit of collaboration and hope, reminding us all of the importance of community in tackling global challenges.
The success of PMFZ has paved the way for even greater initiatives. Bill’s work has been one of the catalysts for a remarkable $30 million commitment involving Rotary, World Vision, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This collaboration aims to expand malaria elimination efforts in Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge. Bill’s vision and tenacity continue to inspire Rotarians and community leaders worldwide, ensuring that the fight against malaria remains a priority.
As we reflect on Bill Feldt’s contributions, we are reminded of the incredible impact one dedicated individual can have on the world. His commitment to eradicating malaria is not just a personal mission; it is a rallying call for all of us to engage, support, and act. With leaders like Bill at the helm, we can look forward to a future where malaria is no longer a threat—a future built on the foundation of kindness, generosity, and the unwavering belief in collective action.
Thank you, Bill, for your tireless efforts and for being a beacon of hope in the global fight against malaria.
Your legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of Rotarians to come.
Linda Cheever – Malaria Partners International Ambassador
MPI has been so fortunate to have the benefit of the skills of experienced leaders in international humanitarian work such as Bill Feldt. Words that come to mind when I consider Bill’s contributions to the wonderful achievements of PMFZ are humility, kindness, strength, high moral sense, and ability to create and inspire teamwork. Bill never seeks the spotlight but seeks to shine that light on others. He presents the perfect combination of deep organizational experience and humble leadership. He is the very model of what Rotary represents.
Martha Lungu – Executive Director, Malaria Partners Zambia
I call him ‘Dad’ because of his caring and supportive nature. Under Bill’s leadership, I have learned so much, both professionally and personally. He is not afraid to speak out when things are wrong and is equally generous in offering praise for work well done. His commitment and guidance have been instrumental to the success of PMFZ and inspiring to everyone who has had the privilege to work with him.
Eric Liswaniso – Program Manager, Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia
To describe Bill in words almost feels inadequate. He has been a constant source of inspiration for me throughout the three-plus years of the Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia project. His unwavering dedication, especially for someone so far from where the work is happening, has always challenged me to push myself even harder.
If this “old American man” can devote so much energy and passion to the fight against malaria, what excuse do I have, living right here in the middle of it? Bill’s attention to detail and commitment to every aspect of the project has been the driving force behind our collective success. Not once did I see him waver or lose interest, and that steadfastness has made a profound impact on me.
Three years is not a very long time to know someone, but in just three years, Bill has shown me what true dedication looks like. The man truly embodies the spirit of “service above self” and I will never forget him and the example he has set for all of us. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with and learn from him.
Sarah Crawford – GM & Chief Programs and Engagement Officer, Rotary International
It has been an honor and privilege to work with Bill Feldt over the past four years (and I hope for many more)! Bill is a true leader in all the right ways:
- He is kind. When I tell people about Bill, I show them a picture of him “high fiving” community health workers. He is so proud of what they do for their communities and wants to support them with his time, talents, and treasure.
- He is really listening. He asks questions to understand and reflect, not to prepare a response.
- He is fun! I’d happily sit on another 6-hour minibus or celebrate at a Rotary International Convention with Bill.
- He loves his family, his club, his district, and Rotary. He talks about you all. And I loved hearing that his wife joined Rotary before he did!
- He does not love malaria and wants it gone…forever. His passion and dedication are both inspiring and pragmatic.
- He brings people together. Each of the partners, stakeholders, and mentees, and colleagues know that he is doing this because it takes a village (or a global network) to make change happen.
- He cares about the details that matter. I am pretty sure that Bill dreams in spreadsheets, delivery schedules, and results. Because he knows if there is not good training support, the right information will not get to the people who need good advice; if there are no bicycles, the community health workers cannot get to people’s homes; if there are no supplies, they cannot test and treat people; if there is no talk time, they cannot report their numbers back; and if we do not have the data, we do not know if what we are doing together with our partners is working and if we need to pivot.
- And he lifts up the work of others. He says thank you and means it. And that means the world to people like me.
Rachel Hermes – Programs of Scale Manager, Rotary International
Bill is the embodiment of service above self. I met him during the evaluation process for the first Programs of Scale award, as a staff evaluating PMFZ – and it has been a privilege to witness him shepherd, support and promote the program, his PMFZ colleagues in Zambia, and the CHW and communities they serve. Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge is standing on the shoulders of Bill and MPI’s work. Bill’s steadfast leadership, persistence, and joy in this work continues to inspire.
Todd Jennings – Communications Officer, PATH MACEPA Zambia
I met Bill more than a decade ago. Rotary was supporting a distribution of bednets on the Copperbelt and he was part of the visiting delegation. From my first interactions with Bill it was clear that he simply got it – yes, Rotary was the driving force behind the distribution, but the Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Program were in the lead. Bill puts others first; he embodies Service above Self. Over the years, as PATH’s partnership with Rotary strengthened, I’ve had the pleasure of linking up with Bill both in Zambia and in the US – at PATH headquarters or, even better, over fish tacos at Bahama Breeze. I always enjoy meeting with Bill even if we end up complaining about the Mariners.
I quickly learned that Bill is anything but retired. He is soft spoken and kind, but God help you if you misplace a budget figure. Bill will find it and call it out – diplomatically, of course. His attention to detail and his passion are legendary. Most of all, he never forgets the point of it all: to end malaria. Full stop. It is unacceptable that people, especially the most vulnerable among us, continue to die from this preventable and curable disease.
That is why Bill is a joy to work with. He is deeply committed and caring. He gets the local context and defers to local leaders. Over the years, through his quiet leadership, Bill has gained the trust and respect of those same leaders. I’ve been in partner meetings at the national malaria program where Bill was not in the room, but he was quoted: Without commodities a trained community health worker cannot serve her neighbors with lifesaving care, and if that continues then we are not proper stewards of resources. Worst of all, we are jeopardizing the potential for future investment.
That message stuck.
Rotary’s malaria work on the Copperbelt; the inaugural Programs of Scale where Bill and team turned a $2M award into a $6M juggernaut; the RHCC grant that is now exporting the lessons learned from Zambia into three more countries – this is the legacy of Bill Feldt.
Brian Gower, Sr. Director of Foundations & Partnerships, World Vision
Bill, both personally and on behalf of World Vision, I want to thank you for the incredible work you have done that led to the PMFZ grant not only becoming possible but being a great success! This has been a dream of World Vision’s for years. You are leaving an incredible legacy for generations – countless children and their families in Zambia who will not die because of malaria. And to see this partnership being expanded into 3 other countries is just awesome. You have been a trusted friend and great partner to work with. Thank you!