Sinokubonga Nkala
Trish Mukwazo, trishmukwazo515@gmail.com
THE Japanese Embassy in collaboration with Sight Savers, an international non-governmental organisation on Friday donated ophthalmic eye care equipment worth over US$70 000 to St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane District.
Ophthalmic is a clinical and surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
The donated equipment included two microscopes, six eye cameras, three surgeon chairs, and two hand-held autos.
St Luke’s benefited by virtue of it having the only functioning eye unit in Matabeleland North.
In handing over the equipment, the Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Japan Mr Hiroyuki Kumagai commended Sight Savers Zimbabwe for completing the project.
He urged St Luke’s Hospital to ensure that the donated equipment is well maintained so that it continues to serve the community.
Mr Kumagai said the donated equipment will go a long way in providing vital healthcare services to people in the district and outside.
“I deeply admire the dedication and tireless efforts of the hospital staff who work diligently to support the area. It is truly an honour to be part of this meaningful project, which aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of many,” he said.
“Eye health is an increasingly neglected area of healthcare, and due to challenges in accessing eye treatment and the absence of adequate preventive measures, the region has witnessed a high prevalence of blindness and eye-related conditions, particularly cataracts.”
Over 3 000 patients are targeted to benefit annually from the new equipment, gaining access to early diagnosis and treatment for eye diseases.
“Much of the equipment is already in use since this September, enabling 43 individuals to successfully undergo cataract surgery and 76 others to receive examinations for various eye conditions,” said Mr Kumagai.
OUI INC, a Japanese medical start-up also contributed to the project through the provision of smart eye cameras which is an innovative portable device that will enable doctors to diagnose various eye conditions in marginalised areas.
OUI INC representative, Mr Shintaro Nakayama said the devices enable healthcare professionals to detect patients who need treatment, making it easier to develop a better strategy for eye care.
He highlighted the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into the device, which allows for the detection of cataracts and other conditions, such as diabetes.
Sight Savers country director Mr Peter Bare said: “This donation was made possible through the generous grant we received from the Embassy of Japan. It marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
Mr Bare said Sight Savers has been operating in Zimbabwe since the 1950s, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to deliver inclusive health care services.
“Our collaboration has always been guided by the National Development Strategy 1, ensuring that our efforts align with the country’s Vision 2030 for a healthier and more equitable future,” he said.
Over the years, communities around Zimbabwe have benefited from the support provided by Japan.
mbulelo smpofu
