Zimbabwean Cataract Patients Regain Sight Through ‘Bright Journey’ Program

The “Bright Journey” program in Harare, Zimbabwe, offers free cataract surgeries to 600 patients, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Chinese doctors are at the forefront of this initiative, which addresses preventable blindness in the country. The program symbolizes the strengthening of relations between China and Zimbabwe and aims to improve local medical expertise.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, 80-year-old Mariya Sangare expressed her elation after successful cataract surgery, marking the launch of the “Bright Journey” program sponsored by China. “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see,” Sangare stated, highlighting the program’s impact on enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from vision impairment.

The initiative is providing free cataract surgeries to 600 individuals through a dedicated team of 12 Chinese specialists from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. Sangare emphasized the skill of the doctors, stating, “The Chinese doctors are highly skilled, and we are very happy” about their work.

For patients like Sangare, the program offers renewed independence and hope. She noted, “This initiative has helped me a lot. My grandchildren can now eat peanut butter from the peanuts I grow,” illustrating how her improved vision has positively affected her ability to farm.

Cosmas Chipengo, a 25-year-old beneficiary of the surgery, expressed gratitude for the program’s services, as he now has the opportunity to return to work. “I want to thank the Chinese doctors because we could not afford the medical expenses. This program has done a great thing for us,” Chipengo said.

Zimbabwean Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora acknowledged the pressing issue of preventable blindness caused by cataracts in the nation, commending the “Bright Journey” program for addressing this critical healthcare challenge. He remarked, “This moment represents not merely the commencement of a medical project, but the beginning of a bright journey, an important initiative that seeks to restore sight to 600 Zimbabweans.”

The World Health Organization estimates that cataracts account for nearly half of the 125,000 blindness cases in Zimbabwe, greatly affecting low-income individuals in rural areas due to high treatment costs.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding emphasized the program’s role in strengthening the friendship between China and Zimbabwe, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He stated, “With the launch of this program, we add another milestone to our anniversary celebrations,” highlighting the collaboration between medical professionals from both countries.

The “Bright Journey” program not only restores vision but also enhances Zimbabwe’s medical capabilities in eye surgeries, paving the way for future exchanges of knowledge and expertise among healthcare practitioners.

The “Bright Journey” program is a significant initiative that not only aids 600 cataract patients in Zimbabwe by restoring their sight but also strengthens China-Zimbabwe relations. It addresses a critical public health issue by providing free surgeries, enhancing local medical expertise, and fostering knowledge exchange. This collaboration marks a milestone in ongoing medical cooperation between the two nations.

Original Source: english.news.cn