Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
A paediatric cardiac surgery camp has brought renewed hope to families across Zimbabwe after 10 children underwent successful life-saving heart operations.
The initiative not only transformed young lives but also strengthened Zimbabwe’s specialist healthcare capacity through collaboration between local medical teams and visiting experts from Egypt.
Medical teams reported excellent recovery outcomes, with most of the children now recuperating in the general ward and expected to be discharged soon.
For 11-year-old Rufaro Muronzi, who underwent surgery during last year’s camp, the experience has inspired a new dream.
“When I grow up, I want to be a cardiologist because I was so impressed by the Egyptian doctors who operated on my heart last year,” she said.
Her remarkable recovery has become a source of inspiration for this year’s young patients and their families.
One parent, Ms Chipo Matemera said the programme spared her family the overwhelming cost of seeking treatment abroad after her child was diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
“We were told that we needed US$15 000 for an operation in India. After the surgery here, she is now fit and healthy. I am very grateful to the doctors from Zimbabwe and Egypt, as well as the government and its partners,” she said.
Specialist cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr Simukayi Machawira described the camp as a major success.
“This was a very successful camp, our third with the team from Egypt. We operated on 10 patients and all have done well. There are no major complications and we expect most to be discharged soon,” he said.
He added that the programme is significantly enhancing local expertise, with the ultimate goal of enabling Zimbabwean specialists to independently conduct future camps.
Paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Hisham Shawky said the collaboration is focused on establishing a sustainable local paediatric cardiac surgery programme.
“Over the past three years, there has been significant improvement in knowledge and patient care. Local doctors now have the skills, equipment and know-how needed to make the programme sustainable,” he said.
The initiative, supported by partners including the Rotary International and the Egyptian Embassy, is also strengthening bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and Egypt.
Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Maha Serag El-Din Moustafa Kamela said the programme is making a lasting impact.
“These missions are important not only for the children treated, but also for knowledge transfer. They contribute towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s health sector and support national development priorities,” she said.
Beyond saving lives, the paediatric cardiac surgery camp is helping build Zimbabwe’s future in specialised healthcare, one child, one family and one trained specialist at a time.
