Dear Honorable Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora
Dear Director General of the Zimbabwe AIDS Program, Dr. Madzima,
Dear Children, Grandson and Granddaughter, Family of our Late Colleague and Friend, Ms. Dube,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with deep sorrow and profound grief that the Executive Board of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) joins the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe and the wider HIV and health community in mourning the untimely passing of our dear colleague and friend, Ms. Medelina Dube.

Ms. Dube was more than a colleague; she was a pillar of dedication, resilience, and grace in our collective fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa. Her commitment to advancing the HIV response—both in Zimbabwe and across the continent—was unwavering. She believed deeply in the power of teamwork, service, and hope, and her life’s work was a true reflection of those values.

We at SAA had the privilege of working closely with Ms. Dube during several key milestones of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA).

• She played a vital role in the organization of ICASA 2015 in Zimbabwe;
• She served diligently at ICASA 2017 in Côte d’Ivoire;
• She managed the Poster Exhibition at ICASA 2019 in Rwanda;
• And she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us once again at ICASA 2023 in Harare.

At every step, she brought not only her professionalism and expertise, but also her warmth, humility, and a spirit that uplifted and inspired those around her. A moment we fondly remember was the celebration of her birthday in 2023 at Mickos Hotel, where the Society for AIDS in Africa expressed our gratitude and admiration for her dedication.

Her sudden passing is a painful reminder of the fragility of life, but also a testament to the enduring legacy one can leave through service, passion, and humanity. Ms. Dube’s contributions to ICASA and to the broader HIV response will forever remain etched in the history of our movement.

Beyond her professional excellence, we remember her kindness, her laughter, and the genuine care she extended to everyone she worked with.

On behalf of the Executive Board of the Society for AIDS in Africa, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues at the National AIDS Council, and to all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. We mourn with you, and we pray that the Almighty grants you strength, comfort, and peace during this time of sorrow.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Farewell, dear sister and colleague. You will be deeply missed.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Hon. Dr. David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa
President
Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA)