Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
A team of 38 volunteer healthcare professionals from the United States and Canada is currently in Zimbabwe for a two-week mission, offering free corrective surgery to individuals born with cleft lips and palates.
Among the beneficiaries is Patience Mayega, a 42-year-old mother from Mutare, who finally has hope for her 8-year-old daughter, Tinotenda Murapa.
Born with both a cleft lip and palate, Tinotenda had previously been turned away from surgery due to a heart condition.
However, after undergoing successful cardiac surgery in Italy last year, she was finally cleared during this year’s screening process, marking the first step towards little Tinotenda’s life-changing cleft lip and palate surgery.
“I am happy that this year we passed the screening test. We had been trying over the years but we kept failing because of her heart condition,” Mayega said.
Parents from across the country believe the corrective surgery will significantly enhance their children’s quality of life, which is why they travelled to get their kids examined for the procedure.
Individuals with defects resulting from severe burns are also seeking an opportunity to be evaluated for corrective surgery, hoping to improve their condition.
The team, part of the Operation Hope program, is targeting to operate over 100 patients.
“We are in Zimbabwe to perform Cleft lip surgeries. Our main target is mainly children born with Cleft lip defects,” Health professional, Lacy Willhite noted.
“We have been partnering with Operation Hope for this programme for the past 16 years now. This year the target is 100 patients,” Schweppes Head of Corporate Affairs and Data Governance, Ms Ropafadzo Gwanetsa stated.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy.
The defects can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, making everyday activities like eating and speaking challenging.
The surgery, however, can greatly improve their chances of leading a normal life.
