Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
TWELVE Zimbabweans out of 19 medical specialists drawn from 12 Sub-Saharan African countries have graduated from the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ECSACOG) at a ceremony held in Harare, where Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi was the guest of honour.
The graduates drawn from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Sudan, Uganda, Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya were conferred with certicates.
ECSACOG specialises in training specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists.
Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care of mothers and their newborns, while gynaecology focuses on the female reproductive health system, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases.
Giving his remarks during the graduation ceremony, VP Dr Mohadi commended ECSACOG for transforming the regional vision of establishing a medical institution dedicated to boosting the health system into reality.
“I commend the leadership, Council, Fellows, faculty and partners of ECSACOG for transforming a regional aspiration into an institution that is now producing specialists for our countries.
“This achievement speaks directly to the guiding philosophy of the Second Republic and the mantra of His Excellency, the President: ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ — ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’ — ‘Our country is built by its own people’.”
VP Dr Mohadi said the 12 Zimbabwean specialists were a testament to the Second Republic’s vision of tapping into the expertise of its people in developing the country.
“The 12 Zimbabwean specialists among today’s 19 graduands are a practical demonstration of this philosophy.
“We are building our nation by investing in our people, developing our own expertise and strengthening our own institutions, while working with partners across the region and beyond.
“ECSACOG is a powerful example of this principle — African countries working together to build African expertise for African people.”
VP Dr Mohadi said the country was now seized with the task of ensuring that the investment made into the specialists is translated into service to the nation.
He urged their African colleagues to collaborate in their efforts to serve the region and the world at large.
He urged them to serve Africa and not take their service abroad.
“To our graduands, therefore, I say: you have been trained in this region, by this region, for the service of this region. Our people need you here.
“By all means, learn from the world. Collaborate with the world. Participate in global medicine.
“But do not be too quick to cross oceans in search of opportunities while the women and children of your own communities are waiting for your expertise. Bring the knowledge home.
“Teach others. Build institutions. Mentor the next generation. Strengthen our health system. Serve your motherland. Remember that home is always the best,” he said.
