Rosalie Chigariro: First black Zimbabwean to volunteer body for research, laid to rest after four years of service to medical education

The University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has concluded the medical study of the late Rosalie Chigariro, who in 2021 became the first-ever black Zimbabwean to volunteer her remains for medical research. Over the weekend, in a ceremony marked by quiet dignity and gratitude, members of the Anatomy Unit, students, and family members gathered to pay tribute to Chigariro, whose selfless act contributed to the training of hundreds of medical students over four years. Her generosity gave future doctors invaluable hands-on understanding of the human body, lessons no textbook could ever replace. In addition to medical students, paramedics’ degree programs also benefited from her extraordinary gift.

These programs include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech therapy, and pharmacy, whose students gained essential anatomical knowledge through her donation, Speaking at the ceremony, chairperson of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at UZ, Josephine Chidaushe, expressed the university’s deep appreciation for the rare and noble contribution. “The gift of body donation is one of the most profound forms of service to humanity. Chigariro became a silent teacher, one who helped nurture the next generation of doctors, surgeons, and health professionals,” she said. There was deep symbolism in her final resting place at Chishawasha Mission, the very grounds where she spent her high school years.

Surrounded by faith and learning, it was there she first discovered her sense of purpose — and there, she now rests in peace. Her family expressed pride in her courage and her lifelong devotion to education and humanity. “We are deeply proud of her strength and the legacy she leaves behind. Today we say goodbye, not in sorrow, but in gratitude,” said her sister, Petronilla. Among those whose lives were touched by her legacy was Michelle van der Heiden, a Part Five medical student, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn through Ms.

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