Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
Chinese doctors who are on a mission to Zimbabwe will be conducting free cataract removal surgeries across the country as relations between China and Zimbabwe continue to deepen.
An all-weather friend to Zimbabwe, China has continued to cooperate with the country in various sectors of the economy, ranging from infrastructure development to health, issues which topped discussions when the Chinese Charge d’Affaires Mr Cheng Yan paid a courtesy call on Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga in Harare this Friday.
“We had an excellent discussion on our bilateral relations everybody knows China and Zimbabwe enjoy strong traditional relations with each other not only politically but also economically and socially. China is committed to continuing to support every effort from Zimbabwe to develop its country to improve the livelihoods of its people. In the medical area, I just want to say we have just received the new medical team from China to Zimbabwe and we are working on the plan to have free cataract surgeries for the local people and also, we also have the hospital cooperation between Chinese hospitals and Zimbabwean hospitals,” said VP Chiwenga.
After his meeting with the Chinese embassy Charge d’Affaires, Vice President Chiwenga also received the Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Bong – Kae and the Korea Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (KOPIA) Director Dr Choi Young where discussions centred mainly on agriculture.
“Aside from agricultural cooperation, we have many relations with Zimbabwe. Next year is very important for us, we will be commemorating 30 years of our friendship with Zimbabwe and we intend to conduct various business seminars to strengthen our cooperation,” Ambassador Bong-Kae noted.
Dr Choi said, “As KOPIA, we embarked on a number of agricultural projects in rural areas which include Indigenous chicken project and small grain.”
Vice President Chiwenga commended the Korean government for spearheading various developmental projects in Zimbabwe.
“Dr Choi has been here and is now returning back home but he has done great work for SIRDC as you will be aware, last month we went to Wedza where they have had development on rural development and empowering our rural people by training them and funding them for the rearing of chickens growing of horticulture and also the provision of clean water,”
KOPIA is partnering with Zimbabwe’s Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) in implementing various projects in the country, including the construction of a modern hatchery and chicken breeding facility, a self-sufficiency feed manufacturing facility and agriculture leasing and repair facility in Chishaka Village in Wedza District.