Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Herald Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has extended his condolences following the passing of Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, who succumbed to cancer-related complications last week.
Dr Sikipa, a distinguished medical practitioner, is fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to public health.
He served as a Health Advisor in the Presidential Advisory Council from 2018 to 2023 and held several key roles within the Ministry of Health, including Medical Officer, Provincial Medical Director, and Permanent Secretary.
Vice-President Chiwenga highlighted Dr Sikipa’s tireless commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly during the height of the HIV and Aids epidemic. He played a pivotal role in training healthcare professionals and expanding access to essential treatments.
“A dark cloud fell over Zimbabwe’s medical fraternity on May 5, 2025, as one of the nation’s most steadfast medical practitioners, Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa, lost his courageous two-decade battle with cancer,” said Vice-President Chiwenga.
Having graduated as a medical doctor in 1976, Dr Sikipa remained committed to furthering his education, focusing on critical health challenges throughout his career. His passing leaves a profound void in the medical community, the Vice-President said.
Dr Sikipa was instrumental in the fight against HIV and Aids, contributing to the World Health Organization’s National HIV Care and Treatment Strategy (2013–2017) and leading the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSP) Proposal.
“Dr Sikipa’s contributions are reflected in the milestones Zimbabwe celebrates today. The nation has lost not only a brilliant mind and medical expert, but also a deeply passionate health practitioner,” said Vice-President Chiwenga.
He extended heartfelt condolences to Dr Sikipa’s family, especially his wife, Mrs Dolly Sikipa, their four sons, and five grandchildren.
“Indeed, he marked his time with outstanding contributions to his country, particularly in preserving human life. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Born in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East, Dr Sikipa demonstrated remarkable vision from an early age. He joined the Ministry of Health in 1981, where he began addressing high maternal and child mortality rates by pursuing a Master’s in Maternal and Child Health at the Institute of Child Health in the UK.
His career included serving as Provincial Medical Director from 1984 to 1990 and as Permanent Secretary from 1990 to 1992. Vice-President Chiwenga praised Dr Sikipa’s lifelong dedication to safeguarding human life and dignity, underscoring his lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s health sector.
