The “Bright Journey” program launched in Harare on February 26, 2025, aims to restore sight to 600 cataract patients in Zimbabwe through free surgeries performed by Chinese doctors. Beneficiaries, including Mariya Sangare and Cosmas Chipengo, expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing how the program has transformed their lives. The initiative not only addresses preventable blindness but also strengthens Sino-Zimbabwean relations.
On February 26, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, the “Bright Journey” program was officially launched, marking a significant milestone in restoring sight to cataract patients. Among the beneficiaries is 80-year-old Mariya Sangare, who expressed her joy after undergoing successful surgery performed by a skilled team of Chinese doctors from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. She remarked, “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see.”
The program aims to provide free cataract surgeries to 600 patients in Zimbabwe, which is crucial in combating the widespread issue of preventable blindness caused by cataracts. Cosmas Chipengo, a 25-year-old patient, noted that thanks to the program, he is now able to return to work after seven months of impaired vision. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese doctors for offering such vital assistance, stating, “This program has done a great thing for us.”
Zimbabwean Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the importance of the initiative in restoring autonomy and enabling full societal reintegration for those affected. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2021, 125,000 individuals in Zimbabwe were living with blindness, with approximately half of those cases attributed to cataracts.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, highlighted that this program signifies not just medical cooperation but also the strengthening of the long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe. This year celebrates the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of medical collaboration, marking a new chapter in their partnership.
The “Bright Journey” program represents an essential initiative to combat cataract-related blindness in Zimbabwe. Providing free surgeries to those in need underscores the commitment to improving public health and fostering international cooperation. By enhancing local medical expertise and restoring vision to patients, the program significantly contributes to empowering individuals and strengthening community involvement. The collaboration between Chinese medical professionals and their Zimbabwean counterparts further exemplifies the deepening bond between the two nations.
Original Source: english.news.cn
