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Cimas boost for paediatric cardiac surgeries

Health and Child Care deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini

ZIMBABWE’S leading private healthcare institution, Cimas Health Group, has partnered Egyptian cardiac specialists and local medical professionals for a heart surgery exercise targeting children.

About 4 500 children are born with a congenital heart disease each year in Zimbabwe, a life-threatening condition that requires surgical intervention.

In a statement yesterday, Cimas said the week-long surgical Open Heart held at Parirenyatwa Hospital benefited 10 children who went under life-saving cardiac procedures.

“The children operated on, aged between six months and 10 years, were mainly suffering from congenital heart defects, that is, abnormalities present at birth that can affect the heart’s walls, valves or associated blood vessels,” it said.

The Open Heart Camp is a prime example of effective public-private sector collaboration among the Health and Child Care ministry, National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe, the Embassy of Egypt in Zimbabwe, Gift of Life International Foundation of the United States, the Rotary Club of Harare Central and the Avenues Clinic, among others.

Cimas Health Group chief executive Vuli Ndlovu said the group remained committed to improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe in line with government’s Vision 2030, which prioritises access to quality, world-class healthcare for all citizens.

“Having supported the first Open Heart Surgical Camp in November last year and seeing its impact on paediatric cardiac care in Zimbabwe, we decided to be part of this year’s camp again. This aligns with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” he said.

“This Open Heart Camp plays a key role in empowering our surgeons in the area of paediatric cardiac care, which remains underdeveloped not only in Zimbabwe, but across the region.”

Ndlovu said the Cimas Health Group remained open to future collaborations that supported improved healthcare delivery, beyond the profit motives.

“Despite economic headwinds, our determination remains unshaken. At Cimas Health Group, we are not driven solely by profit. Our guiding force is the profound responsibility of saving lives,” he said.

Avenues Clinic general manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu echoed Cimas chief executive’s sentiments, emphasising the health institution's commitment to national health priorities.

“As a private healthcare institution, The Avenues Clinic is honoured to once again contribute to the Egypt-Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, a truly life-changing initiative,” she said.

“At The Avenues Clinic, we strongly believe in partnerships that put people first. Our support in this mission reflects our broader commitment to playing our part in enabling access to specialised care for the most vulnerable members of our society,” she said.

Health and Child Care deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini commended the role played by private partners, describing them as exemplary corporate citizens.

“To our committed local sponsors, NOIC, The Avenues Clinic and Cimas, your contribution defines true corporate citizenship. You are investing not only in healthcare, but also in hope, in futures and in the vision of a stronger Zimbabwe,” he said.

“All of this aligns with His Excellency, the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa)’s Vision 2030 to transform Zimbabwe to an empowered, upper-middle-income society. World-class healthcare is a pillar of that vision.

“Our surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, perfusionists, technicians and support staff are heroes. This camp would not be possible without their tireless work, passion and professionalism.”

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