Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
OPERATION of Hope Worldwide has performed 40 free cleft lip and palate surgeries at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
An additional 22 procedures are scheduled for this week following a successful screening session on Sunday.
Last week’s screening attracted a large number of mothers from across the country, all hoping their children could undergo the life-changing surgeries.
The team of medical professionals is on a two-week mission in Zimbabwe. Operation of Hope Worldwide, a US-Canada volunteer surgical organisation, is providing free surgeries to help affected children lead normal lives, free from discrimination and stigma.
The team confirmed that a further 22 surgeries are scheduled for this week, and they hope to assess more children before concluding their mission.
This generous initiative is expected to transform the lives of many young children who face challenges with eating, speaking, and smiling confidently due to their condition.
Mrs Pauline Chitupa from Gutu, whose three-month-old baby is due to undergo surgery, highlighted the significance of the service, saying it will change her child’s life.
She spoke about how mothers of children with cleft lips are often stigmatised and accused of witchcraft or infidelity, resulting in further emotional strain.
“I encourage everyone to understand that children are precious gifts from God, entrusted to us as parents. It is wrong for society to discriminate against children because of their conditions,” said Mrs Chitupa.
“I’m happy that my child will be able to interact normally with other children when he grows up. I began preparations for this trip as soon as I saw the advert on Facebook. I hope more mothers will gain access to information about this life-changing opportunity,” she added.
Mrs Chitupa also encouraged fellow mothers facing similar challenges to advocate for their children, even when feeling overwhelmed. She stressed the importance of understanding the biological causes of such conditions to respond with empathy and knowledge.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Matthew Korner, a member of the Operation of Hope Worldwide team, said the screening session took place on Sunday.
He explained that although 70 individuals attended, the team was only able to perform 40 surgeries, as some cases involved conditions unrelated to cleft lip or palate.
“These conditions are genetic and can be corrected, which is why we urge mothers to bring their children forward for a fresh start in life,” said Mr Korner.
“This is my third time coming here with the team, and I’m pleased to see so many mothers bringing their young children for surgery.”
The team expressed concern about the lack of widespread information regarding their visit, which may disadvantage mothers from remote areas who are financially unprepared for the journey.
They emphasised the importance of early intervention, noting that children typically begin developing speech between 18 months and two years of age. If left untreated, cleft conditions can hinder speech development and lead to long-term pronunciation difficulties.
Operation of Hope Worldwide has performed over 5 000 free facial reconstructive surgeries in hospitals across Zimbabwe, led by a team of highly skilled surgeons specialising in cleft lip and palate repair.
