Staff Reporter
The Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital at the ParirenyatwaGroup of Hospitals in Harare will commence a groundbreaking initiative on February 24, 2025, to offer 600 free cataract surgeries. The initiative is part of a collaborative effort between Zimbabwe and China, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two countries in healthcare. The programme is set to run until 1 March.
The “Bright Journey” programme, which is being implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zimbabwe and China, focuses on cataract surgeries. Signed in February 2024, the agreement brings together Chinese medical experts to perform surgeries, share their knowledge, and offer training to local healthcare professionals. Additionally, China has contributed medical equipment and supplies to bolster Zimbabwe’s healthcare services.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, who spoke during a familiarisation tour of the eye hospital yesterday, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership.
“This programme has been a tremendous success since its inception. Over the years, we have seen thousands of people benefit from free cataract surgeries, and with the Chinese expertise, we are able to offer even more. It’s heartening to witness the collaboration between our two countries that will continue to benefit many lives.
We are thankful to the Chinese government for their consistent support. The cataract surgery programmehas made a lasting impact on our country. It’s not only about the immediate surgeries, but also about long-term capacity-building. Our local doctors are gaining valuable skills from this exchange, ensuring that future generations will benefit from advanced eye care,” Dr Mombeshora continued.
The upcoming cataract surgery camp will feature a team of Chinese ophthalmologists, including Dr. Li Wei, an experienced surgeon from Beijing, who will work alongside local medical professionals.
In a statement Dr. Wei, who was part of the familiarisation tour, emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange.
“Our goal is to ensure that Zimbabwean doctors gain hands-on experience that will help them treat patients long after we leave. This is a partnership aimed at sustainability,” Dr Wei said
Meanwhile, Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital, one of the most prominent eye care facilities in Zimbabwe, is at the heart of this new initiative. The hospital has a long-standing reputation for conducting cataract surgeries. Past camps have already enabled hundreds of individuals to regain their sight, and the new initiative will scale up these efforts significantly.
The “Bright Journey” programme aligns with Zimbabwe’s long-term healthcare goals. It not only addresses immediate needs by offering free surgeries,but also contributes to the future sustainability of the nation’s healthcare system through educational initiatives and infrastructure support.
