In Memoriam: Dr Abra Tholsi Fransch, Past President of WONCA Africa Region
It is with sadness and a deep sense of loss that I bring to your notice the demise of a Past President of WONCA Africa Region, Dr Abra Tholsi Fransch.
Dr Fransch, originally hailing from Zimbabwe, received her medical education there, culminating in her attainment of the MB; CHB degree from the University of Zimbabwe in 1984.
She was President-Elect of WONCA Africa Region (WAR) from 2001 to 2004 and served as the WAR President from June 2004 to November 2005. She then suddenly emigrated to Canada and finally settled down in Australia. Prof. Khaya Mfenyanna from South Africa, who was the president-elect in 2004, had to complete her tenure, and then he served his own tenure as president from 2005 to 2010.
Late Abra Tholsi Fransch was the first female Regional President of WONCA Africa Region.
Dr Abra Fransch died in Victoria, Australia, on the 21st of September 2023, after a protracted and well-fought battle with cancer.
She will be buried on the 29th of September 2023 in Echuca, Victoria, Australia.
She was self-employed for over 39 years.
Dr Abra Fransch had considerable rural and remote experience, extensive experience working in Aboriginal communities, and she was interested in research and cosmetic medicine.
She served as an Examiner (Pre-Employment Clinical Structured Interview PESCI) for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for over 15 years.
She shall be interred in Australia after a simple burial blessing, according to her wish.
May the Almighty God grant the family, colleagues, and friends she left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
May her soul rest in peace.
Dr Dan Abubakar,
Wonca Africa Region President