Zimbabwean Patients Reclaim Vision Through “Bright Journey” Program

The “Bright Journey” program, launched in Harare, Zimbabwe, provides free cataract surgeries to 600 patients, including 80-year-old Mariya Sangare and 25-year-old Cosmas Chipengo. Spearheaded by a team of Chinese doctors, this initiative addresses preventable blindness while reinforcing the partnership between China and Zimbabwe, marking significant anniversaries in their diplomatic relations.

On February 26, 2025, Mariya Sangare, an 80-year-old patient, celebrated her restored vision following cataract surgery performed by a team of Chinese doctors. She expressed her joy at the launch of the “Bright Journey” program at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe, stating, “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see.”

Sangare is among 600 recipients benefiting from this China-aided initiative that provides free cataract surgeries. A dedicated team of specialists from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital has been conducting these surgeries since February 12, enhancing the lives of patients who suffered from blurred vision.

Among the success stories is Cosmas Chipengo, a 25-year-old patient who regained his sight and can now return to work. He articulated his gratitude, remarking, “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, emphasized the importance of the “Bright Journey” program in addressing the public health issue of preventable blindness. He stated that this initiative symbolizes a commitment to restoring sight and enabling individuals to reclaim their autonomy and re-engage with society.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 125,000 individuals in Zimbabwe were living with blindness in 2021, with about half due to cataracts. This program aims to alleviate the burden of preventable blindness, particularly among the rural and low-income populations who have limited access to healthcare.

During the launch, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding articulated the significance of the program, stating that it exemplifies China’s dedication to global health cooperation and enhances the traditional friendship between the two nations. He noted that this year marks significant anniversaries in diplomatic and medical cooperation between China and Zimbabwe, making this initiative particularly meaningful.

The influence of the “Bright Journey” program transcends the immediate medical benefits, as it contributes to enriching Zimbabwe’s healthcare capabilities, particularly in ophthalmology, and facilitates critical knowledge exchange among medical experts from both nations.

The “Bright Journey” program has successfully initiated a transformative initiative that restores sight to 600 individuals in Zimbabwe. With significant contributions from Chinese medical professionals, this program addresses the critical issue of preventable blindness due to cataracts. Furthermore, it strengthens bilateral ties and enhances local medical expertise through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Original Source: english.news.cn