HARARE, Zimbabwe — Cimas Health Group has renewed its support for the Egypt–Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, contributing to a week-long surgical camp at Parirenyatwa Hospital that provided life-saving operations for 10 children suffering from congenital heart defects.
The second installment of the Open Heart Camp, held in July, was led by Egyptian cardiac specialists working alongside Zimbabwean health professionals. The children, aged between six months and 10 years, underwent complex procedures to correct birth-related heart abnormalities.
Cimas Health Group, which also supported the inaugural camp in November 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in line with the government’s Vision 2030.
“Having supported the first Open Heart Surgical Camp in November last year and seeing its impact on paediatric cardiac care in Zimbabwe, we decided to be part of this year’s camp again. This aligns with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” said Cimas Health Group CEO Vuli Ndlovu.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of solidarity with the government and a shared responsibility to improve health outcomes.
“This Open Heart Camp plays a key role in empowering our surgeons in the area of paediatric cardiac care, which remains underdeveloped not only in Zimbabwe, but across the region,” Ndlovu said.
Despite Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic challenges, Ndlovu said the health group remains committed to saving lives through partnerships that go beyond profit.
“Despite economic headwinds, our determination remains unshaken. At Cimas Health Group, we are not driven solely by profit. Our guiding force is the profound responsibility of saving lives,” he said.
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini praised private sponsors including Cimas, The Avenues Clinic and the National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe for their role in the mission.
“To our committed local sponsors, NOIC, The Avenues Clinic, and Cimas, your contribution defines true corporate citizenship,” Kwidini said. “You are investing not only in healthcare, but also in hope, in futures, and in the vision of a stronger Zimbabwe.”
The deputy minister said the mission reflects the potential of public-private partnerships in improving critical care, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status.
Kwidini also paid tribute to the Zimbabwean healthcare professionals involved in the surgeries.
“Our surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, perfusionists, technicians, and support staff are heroes. This camp would not be possible without their tireless work, passion, and professionalism,” he said.
The Avenues Clinic also played a major role in the mission, with General Manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu expressing pride in contributing to a “life-changing initiative.”
“At The Avenues Clinic we strongly believe in partnerships that put people first. Our support in this mission reflects our broader commitment to play our part in enabling access to specialised care for the most vulnerable members of our society,” she said.
According to health officials, about 4,500 children in Zimbabwe are born with congenital heart disease each year.
