The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter
THE Operation of Hope Mission, a charity organisation that offers free surgical operation to children and adults with cleft clip, cleft palate or other facial deformations is back in the country for its 30th surgical mission.
The organisation bounces back following two years of absence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, raising hope for restoration for those with the condition. In a statement, Operation of Hope chief executive officer and president Mrs Jennifer Trubenach, who is also the team leader, said they are on a mega mission that will see them spending four weeks undertaking free cleft surgery at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
“We brought surgical supplies in preparation for the operations scheduled for May this year. Screening for the first batch will take place on Saturday, 7 May, starting at 8 am while screening for the second batch operation will be on Monday 16 May at 8am at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.”
Mrs Trubenach urged all those with children with cleft lip or cleft palate to pre-register with Mpilo Hospital for the life changing surgery. The value of the operations for the weeks is said to be equaling $4 million. This year marks the 30th surgical mission in Zimbabwe and the volunteer team comes from seven missions– US, UK, India, Portugal, Australia, Canada and (Africa)- Zimbabwe.
Operation of Hope Worldwide has performed more than 5 000 free surgeries in Zimbabwe since 2006. The operation is conducted with the assistance of local partners, including Schweppes Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Schweppes Zimbabwe corporate affairs executive Ms Ropafadzo Gwanetsa said they were delighted that Operation of Hope was back after being stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic and it will bring smiles on someone’s face.
“We have been partnering Operation of Hope for the past seven years, providing the gift of life-changing surgeries by ensuring there is sufficient water and juice to keep patients and their families, volunteers and all related health personnel hydrated during the mission.
“Most patients and their families travel long journeys and therefore, we provide meals for at least 400 people on screening days with staff volunteers who not only assist to serve the meals but also assist with logistics from arrival of volunteers to filing-out the patient forms by translating English into local languages,” said Ms Gwanetsa.
A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). The gap is there because parts of the baby’s face did not join together properly during development in the womb. Babies can be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate or both.
The condition is caused by any one of the following factors during pregnancy – lack of enough tissue during fetal development, genetics, consumed unsafe substances and medications. The condition causes difficulty in the child feeding, hearing, speaking or dental problems. Operation of Hope Worldwide’s all-volunteer team has impacted the lives of over 12 000 children globally.
