HISP Rwanda joins the wider HISP and DHIS2 community in mourning the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Bob Jolliffe, a respected member of the HISP network and a beloved contributor to the DHIS2 community.
For nearly two decades, Bob was a key part of the HISP UiO team and played an important role in supporting the growth and sustainability of digital health information systems around the world. He was widely respected for his exceptional technical knowledge, dedication, generosity, and willingness to support others.
Bob was particularly known for his expertise in server and database administration, integration, and security. Whenever a country faced a critical issue with its DHIS2 server, he was ready to help. Beyond solving technical challenges, he dedicated countless hours to training and mentoring colleagues, helping countries build the skills and confidence needed to take ownership of their health information systems.
At HISP Rwanda, Bob’s support and friendship will be deeply remembered.
โI had the privilege of learning so many things from Bob, both professionally and personally. He was always willing to help, especially whenever we were facing challenges with our servers. He never treated those problems as just work; he took them personally and would go the extra mile to make sure things were resolved.โ
โ Jean Paul Mutali, Digital Infrastructure Systems Integration Director, HISP Rwanda
Jean Paul added that Bob’s knowledge, kindness, dedication, and willingness to support others will always be remembered.
A Lasting Impact
Bob’s contribution went far beyond technology. He was known for his kindness, empathy, wisdom, warmth, and humor. Throughout his years with HISP, he built lasting relationships with colleagues and partners across countries and continents.
His conversations and friendships often extended beyond technical topics to football, music, philosophy, politics, and many other subjects. For many members of the HISP network, a first interaction with Bob became the beginning of a long-lasting professional and personal connection.
His commitment to open and shared solutions, putting people before technology, and ensuring that the needs of low-income countries remain central to digital health efforts reflected values that are deeply connected to the HISP and DHIS2 mission.
Through his technical contributions, mentorship, and personal relationships, Bob helped strengthen a community that continues to support countries in building sustainable health information systems.
Remembering Bob
HISP Rwanda extends its deepest condolences to Elaine, his children, and the entire Jolliffe family, as well as to Bob’s friends and colleagues across the HISP and DHIS2 community.
We are grateful for the knowledge he shared, the people he supported, the friendships he built, and the lasting impact of his work.
Rest in peace, Bob. Your contribution to HISP, DHIS2, and the people you supported around the world will continue to be remembered. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.