The “Bright Journey” program, launched on February 26, 2025, in Zimbabwe, offers free cataract surgeries to 600 patients, significantly improving their quality of life. 12 specialists from China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital are involved in this initiative, which not only restores sight but also deepens cooperation between China and Zimbabwe. The program highlights the ongoing public health challenge of preventable blindness from cataracts in Zimbabwe.
On February 26, 2025, Mariya Sangare, an 80-year-old patient, expressed immense joy after undergoing successful cataract surgery, a critical part of the “Bright Journey” program in Harare, Zimbabwe. “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see,” she remarked during the program’s official launch at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. The initiative, supported by China, offers free surgeries to 600 Zimbabweans, significantly improving their quality of life.
The comprehensive program commenced on February 12, 2025, spearheaded by a skilled team of 12 specialists from China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. Sangare noted, “The Chinese doctors are highly skilled, and we are very happy,” highlighting the expertise that has enabled many patients to regain sight and achieve independence.
Cosmas Chipengo, a 25-year-old beneficiary, described how restoring his eyesight allowed him to resume work after a seven-month absence. He expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to thank the Chinese doctors because we could not afford the medical expenses. This program has done a great thing for us.”
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, acknowledged cataract-related preventable blindness as a significant public health issue. He emphasized that the “Bright Journey” program represents more than just a medical initiative, asserting, “This moment represents… the beginning of a bright journey, an important initiative that seeks to restore sight to 600 Zimbabweans.”
According to the World Health Organization, in 2021, approximately 125,000 individuals in Zimbabwe were affected by blindness, with 62,500 of those cases attributed to cataracts. Financial barriers often restrict access to necessary treatment, exacerbating the public health crisis. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, addressed the launch, commenting on the program’s role in fortifying Sino-Zimbabwean relations, stating, “With the launch of this program, we add another milestone to our anniversary celebrations.”
The scope of the “Bright Journey” program extends beyond surgical interventions; it also aims to enhance Zimbabwe’s medical expertise in ophthalmology and foster essential knowledge exchange between medical professionals from both China and Zimbabwe.
In summary, the “Bright Journey” program is a joint effort that not only restores sight to hundreds in Zimbabwe but also symbolizes a growing partnership between China and Zimbabwe, promoting health care accessibility and professional development.
The “Bright Journey” program serves as a vital health initiative, addressing preventable blindness in Zimbabwe by providing free cataract surgeries to hundreds. Through the collaboration of Chinese medical professionals and support from the Government of Zimbabwe, the project exemplifies a commitment to improving lives and enhancing medical expertise in the region. The enduring friendship between the two nations is further solidified as they celebrate significant diplomatic and cooperative milestones in healthcare.
Original Source: english.news.cn
