Zimbabwean Cataract Patients Regain Sight Through “Bright Journey” Program
The “Bright Journey” program in Zimbabwe provides free cataract surgeries to 600 patients, significantly impacting their lives by restoring sight. The initiative is supported by Chinese doctors and aims to address the prevalent issue of preventable blindness. It enhances medical cooperation between China and Zimbabwe, marking significant diplomatic anniversaries. Patients express gratitude for the life-changing procedures, which allow them to regain independence.
On February 26, 2025, 80-year-old Mariya Sangare expressed her delight after successfully undergoing cataract surgery performed by a team of Chinese doctors in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the launch of the “Bright Journey” program, Sangare stated, “I can now see everything clearly. There is nothing I cannot see.” This initiative is aiding 600 Zimbabwean patients by providing free cataract surgeries, a vital service in a country facing high rates of preventable blindness due to cataracts.
The program was initiated on February 12 by 12 specialists from China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. Sangare emphasized her gratitude for the skill of the doctors, saying, “The Chinese doctors are highly skilled, and we are very happy.” Patients, previously hindered by poor eyesight, are regaining independence and hope as they can once again engage in activities such as farming and working.
Twenty-five-year-old Cosmas Chipengo, another recipient, shared his relief at being able to return to work after seven months of impaired vision. He remarked, “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, highlighted the significance of the program, stating that it represents an important initiative to restore sight and empower individuals. He noted that an estimated 125,000 Zimbabweans were living with blindness in 2021, with cataracts being a primary cause. The “Bright Journey” program is a significant step towards addressing this public health issue.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding remarked that the program not only signifies China’s commitment to global health cooperation but also enhances the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He identified the initiative as a milestone coinciding with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of medical cooperation, reinforcing their collaborative efforts.
The impact of this program transcends surgical procedures, as it promotes knowledge exchange between Chinese and Zimbabwean medical professionals, thereby enhancing Zimbabwe’s expertise in ophthalmic care. This collaborative effort serves to uplift the community by restoring sight and fostering medical advancements.
The “Bright Journey” program exemplifies a successful collaboration between China and Zimbabwe, addressing preventable blindness among the Zimbabwean population by providing essential cataract surgeries. The initiative not only restores sight to hundreds but also strengthens medical cooperation and expertise between the two nations, fostering hope and independence for many individuals affected by cataracts.
Original Source: english.news.cn
