Dr. Christopher Zishiri had been well and reporting for duty until the weekend of the 8th of August when he indicated that he was suddenly feeling unwell. He took time off from work in the ensuing week to focus on recuperating from home. His condition however deteriorated on Saturday the 14th of August 2021, and he passed on suddenly, before he could receive medical assistance.
A medical doctor and public health physician with more than 20 years of experience in clinical and public health practice, Dr. Zishiri played a pivotal role in spearheading health sector reforms in the early 2000s. He worked in various clinical and managerial positions over the years, and as Provincial Medical Director for Midlands. He briefly left for the United Kingdom, where he worked as a Consultant in Public Health Medicine for the National Health Service and became a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine.
At the time of his untimely death, he was Executive Director of The Union Zimbabwe Trust (UZT), and head of a consortium, with three other partners in the fight against TB. Prior to this position, he was Country Director of an international organization, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, which he oversaw its transition to UZT, a fully-fledged local organization as part of strategic long-term sustainability.
Born on the 25th of April 1967, Dr. Zishiri attained his first Medical degree and Masters in Public Health from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). He has indeed left an indelible mark in the medical fraternity, and will be remembered for the technical assistance to the National TB Control Program, and building capacity of local organizations working in the TB-HIV response.
Dr Zishiri “Soko Mukanya” has been described as a great manager and mentor, graced with humility and of good cheer. He had taken to small scale farming in his spare time, and had become a successful Boer breeder. He was an exemplary leader, respected in his circles. He is fondly remembered by his workmates, whom he dubbed the “A-Team” which he consistently praised for delivering results and breaking new grounds in the TB-HIV response.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen and five children, Kumbirai, Shingirai, Ipaishe, Anna-Julia and Mututuvari.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
