Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has sent his condolences following the death of former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa, who succumbed to cancer last week.The Acting President said Dr Sikipa is one of the medical practitioners credited for some of the milestones recorded by Zimbabwe in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“A dark cloud fell over Zimbabwe’s medical fraternity on the 5th May as one of the nation’s staunch medical practitioners, Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa, succumbed to cancer, a battle he courageously fought for two decades,” said Dr Chiwenga.
“From the time he graduated as a medical doctor in 1976, Dr Sikipa did not sit on his laurels, but continued to upgrade himself, targeting the nation’s needy areas. His death leaves a yawning gap that is not only noticeable, but difficult to fill.
“He was instrumental in fighting the HIV and AIDS scourge at its peak in this nation. He played a pivotal role in ensuring essential training of medical professionals and access to essential drugs.
“Dr Sikipa was the Lead Writer for the World Health Organisation (WHO) National HIV Care and Treatment Strategy 2013-2017. He was also the Technical lead for the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSP) Proposal.
“It is indisputable that Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa’s hand is evident in the milestones that Zimbabwe boasts of today.
“On behalf of the ruling party, Zanu PF, Government, our nation, my family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Sikipa family, especially to Mrs Dolly Sikipa, Dr Sikipa’s four boys and five grandchildren, on their sad loss.
“May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Chiwenga.
