Story by Yolanda Moyo
A group of South Korean surgeons are in Bulawayo performing life-altering plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
For years, a prominent lump had been a source of deep insecurity for Ms Save Moyo, hindering her confidence and affecting her interactions with others.
As she awaits the free removal of a tumour by a group of South Korean doctors at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Ms Moyo is grateful for the life-changing procedure.
“This has been a huge challenge in my life and finding clothes that would cover this condition was difficult. I am already excited about this procedure because it is going to change my life after all these years.”
For Mr Leonard Wurayayi, hope has been restored after 20 years of stigma.
“This has been a burden in my life and when l received the message that doctors are coming, l was happy. I am coming out of surgery with hope of a new life. The stigma l faced for the past 20 years is real and now l can no longer have to explain my condition to anyone,” he said.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between South Korean medical volunteers, the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church and the government is providing free reconstructive surgeries to patients with various conditions.
“This is my fifth time in Africa, and I am happy to be in Zimbabwe sharing knowledge and skills with local doctors while helping patients in need of the services we are providing here. We have been conducting surgeries since Monday and expect to end on Thursday. We are looking at conducting 40 surgeries,” Lead doctor, Dr Shin Yong Kyu said.
“As a church, we are actively involved in the health care system and we are glad to have brought this team with the help of some of our church members that are medical professionals in the United States. We are always keen to collaborate with government in providing access to health for our citizens,” SDA’s Elder Thabani Moyo said.
The collaboration also includes a skills transfer aspect.
“We always appreciate the coming in of specialists to our hospital as this affords our local doctors a skills transfer program from experienced doctors,” UBH’s Chief Medical Officer Dr William Busumani said.
The government has expressed its deep appreciation for the South Korean team’s invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of Zimbabweans.
“This partnership exemplifies the power of international collaboration in improving the lives of our citizens. The government is committed to continue to support these kinds of initiatives, and we are grateful for the ability to give our citizens, access to these kind of life-changing procedures,” Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Judith Ncube said.
This initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing goal to improve access to quality health care for all citizens.
