Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo and Bokang Tlou, Zimpapers Writers
COMMERCIAL Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) Holdings has announced a partnership with Operation of Hope Worldwide, committing financial resources to provide life-changing surgeries for children in Zimbabwe born with cleft lip and cleft palate. The collaboration aims to address a critical need for the specialised medical interventions.
The partnership aims to deliver surgical treatment for children with these conditions, offering them renewed hope and the opportunity to lead normal lives. More than 60 surgeries have already been successfully carried out since the initiative began last week.
CBZ Holdings chairman, Mr Luxon Zembe, while not disclosing the exact amount of funding committed, expressed the bank’s dedication to the cause. He stated that CBZ is inspired to work with Operation of Hope to bring success, hope and a sense of normalcy to affected children.
“It is a blessing to be involved in helping those in our community. These are our children, and it is our duty to offer our full support, to ensure they receive the help they need,” said Mr Zembe.
CBZ is a major financial services provider, with a foundation focused on sustainable development initiatives aimed at improving lives in Zimbabwe. The CBZ Foundation supports vulnerable groups through education, health campaigns, food security and climate change programmes.
The team of medical professionals from Operation of Hope is on a two-week mission in Zimbabwe. This US-Canada-based volunteer surgical organisation is providing free surgeries to help affected children live free from discrimination and stigma. The team announced that 22 surgeries are scheduled for this week, with hopes to assess more children before their mission concludes. This generous initiative is expected to transform the lives of many young children, who face difficulties with eating, speaking and smiling due to their condition.
President of Operation of Hope, Jennifer Trubenbach, emphasised the importance of early surgical intervention.
“It is crucial to perform surgery at a young age to prevent complications later in life. Cleft lip and palate are genetic conditions — no one is to blame,” she said.
She urged mothers of children born with these conditions to remain hopeful and to reject isolation stemming from cultural stigma. She reassured them that cleft lip and palate are correctable and should not be hidden.
“No one should feel ashamed or blame themselves for their child’s condition,” she said.
Reflecting on the organisation’s history, Trubenbach shared that Operation of Hope was founded by her father 37 years ago and has been active in Zimbabwe since 2016. Since then, they have trained numerous local surgeons to help address this significant health issue.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Letwin Mklungwa, shared her personal story about her daughter, Gamuchirai Tawanda, who was born with both a cleft palate and lip. She recalled how Gamuchirai underwent a palate operation last year and is now receiving revision surgery for her cleft lip.
“I am incredibly grateful for the work that Operation of Hope is doing,” she said, highlighting the life-changing impact the programme has had on her daughter.
