Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
UNITED STATES-based organisation, Operation Hope, has launched its 33rd surgery camp at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Over the next few weeks, 88 children with cleft lip, cleft palate or lipoma will receive crucial surgical care.
Operation Hope holds annual surgery camps at Mpilo, targeting children and adults with facial deformities.
Mpilo Hospital public relations officer Matron Norma Mabhena said that screenings for this year’s event attracted clients from across Zimbabwe, including Binga, Harare, Masvingo, Nkayi and Lupane.
Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited has refurbished the A3 Ward at Mpilo in preparation for this year’s Operation Hope surgeries and provided meals for staff, children and caregivers.
“The team managed to screen a number of children while other clients came in for review so that progress is tracked.
“Surgeries start today and of the 88 clients, we have about seven who will be treated for lipoma. Although Operation Hope mainly targets cleft lip and other facial disabilities, some mothers took the chance and brought in children suffering from lipoma,” said Matron Mabhena.
She said a second screening day will be held on May 12 at the Mpilo out-patients’ department at 7:30am to accommodate those who missed the initial announcement.
Interested individuals can contact her directly on +263772433627.
Matron Mabhena also expressed her appreciation to Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited for their ongoing partnership.
“Schweppes has been our partner since the inception of these surgeries and the company has been providing meals for staff, children and caregivers from screening days right until the end of the surgeries.
“This time they went a step further and refurbished the ward, it was deep cleaned and we also received a donation of 20 mattresses, 40 sheets, 20 blankets and 40 pillowcases,” she said.
“This will go a long way in instilling confidence in children and adults with facial disabilities. We could tell that mothers were beaming with hope as they got their children screened.”
Ms Ropafadzo Gwanetsa, the corporate affairs executive at Schweppes said: “I am thrilled to announce a new chapter in our partnership. Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited is donating to Mpilo Hospital a revamped Ward B3, along with mattresses and bedding. This contribution will enhance the physical infrastructure of the healthcare facility and provide the much-needed comfort to patients during their recovery journey. We hope this revamped ward will serve as a sanctuary of healing, providing solace to those facing challenging health conditions.”
She said the partnership with Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited marked a significant milestone in their journey with Operation Hope. It exemplified not just the power of collaboration, but also the unwavering commitment to making a real difference in the lives of affected children and their families.
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