Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) through funding from the government of Japan and other partners, offered a week-long surgical camp at Victoria Falls Hospital. Over 150 children and other age groups with tonsillitis, hernias, lipomas and benign tumours benefitted from the programme. Victoria Falls residents and those from surrounding areas have commended the government and its partners for organising a free surgical camp that has seen several people benefitting.
“Our communities are getting this service closer to home, closer to where they are and free of charge. Normally this service is offered at central hospitals. Sometimes people need to travel long distances so being here will go a long way in cutting costs and inconveniences associated with travelling long distances,” said Hwange District Medical Officer, Dr Fungai Musinami.
“By offering these surgeries free of charge, we are alleviating the financial burden on individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford such care. This is a concrete example of how WHO, in collaboration with our partners, is working towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said WHO Zimbabwe Technical Officer, Dr Thenjiwe Sisimayi.
The programme also offers capacity building, training and mentorship of surgical health workers, equipping health facilities with minor and major theatre equipment and ensuring continuity in service provision at the hospitals where surgeries are taking place.