Zimbabwean Patients Regain Sight Through China-Aided ‘Bright Journey’ Program
The “Bright Journey” program, launched on February 26, 2025, provides free cataract surgeries to 600 patients in Zimbabwe, restoring vision and enhancing healthcare collaboration between Zimbabwe and China. Patients like Mariya Sangare and Cosmas Chipengo have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the life-changing impact of this initiative.
On February 26, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, the “Bright Journey” program was officially launched, providing free cataract surgeries to patients in need. Among the beneficiaries, 80-year-old Mariya Sangare expressed her gratitude as her vision was restored, allowing her to embrace a new chapter in life. She remarked on the clarity of her vision and the joy it brings her, highlighting the positive impact the program has made on her life.
The initiative, supported by a team of twelve specialists from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital in China, aims to alleviate the burden of preventable blindness in Zimbabwe. Since its inception on February 12, the program has already aided 600 patients. Sangare, assisted by the program, can now partake in activities such as farming, which had been hindered by her vision impairment.
Another patient, 25-year-old Cosmas Chipengo, shared his experience of regaining his eyesight after a seven-month hiatus from work due to cataracts. He expressed his appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing how crucial financial assistance was, as many patients could not afford treatment otherwise. This program illustrates the broader commitment to public health in the region, as noted by officials.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, highlighted the issue of preventable blindness in the nation, emphasizing the program’s role in addressing this gap. He described the endeavor as a significant initiative that restores autonomy to patients, empowering them to reintegrate into society effectively.
The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, also remarked on the significance of the collaboration, aligning with the anniversaries of diplomatic and medical relations between the two nations. He noted that beyond restoring sight, the program enhances medical capabilities in Zimbabwe and fosters critical knowledge exchange between the two countries’ healthcare professionals.
The “Bright Journey” program represents a significant step toward addressing preventable blindness in Zimbabwe. By providing free cataract surgeries, it empowers patients like Mariya Sangare and Cosmas Chipengo to regain their independence. Furthermore, this initiative strengthens the medical ties between China and Zimbabwe, illustrating a commitment to global health cooperation.
Original Source: english.news.cn
