Cimas Health Group Backs Life-Saving Paediatric Cardiac Surgeries in Public–Private Partnership

Cimas Health Group has reaffirmed its commitment to national healthcare delivery by supporting the second edition of the Egypt–Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, a life-saving initiative held at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.

The week-long surgical camp, dubbed Open Heart Camp 2, successfully conducted cardiac procedures on ten Zimbabwean children aged between six months and ten years, all of whom were suffering from congenital heart defects. These structural heart abnormalities, present at birth, affect thousands of children annually across Zimbabwe.

The camp was led by a specialist medical team from Egypt in partnership with local surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing staff. It follows the success of the inaugural edition held in November 2024, which Cimas Health Group also supported.

Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, described the initiative as a powerful example of the positive impact that public–private sector collaboration can have on healthcare delivery.

“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 Mr. Ndlovu.

He emphasised that the company’s involvement goes beyond business interests. “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.”

Mr. Ndlovu also noted the importance of the initiative in strengthening local surgical capacity in a highly specialised field. “This 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.”

Held in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC), the Embassy of Egypt, the Rotary Club of Harare Central, The Avenues Clinic, and the US-based Gift of Life International Foundation, the surgical camp has been hailed as a model for impactful Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Kwidini, praised private sector sponsors for their role in supporting national health goals.

“To our committed local sponsors—NOIC, The Avenues Clinic, and Cimas—your contribution defines true corporate citizenship. You are investing not only in healthcare, but in hope, in futures, and in the vision of a stronger Zimbabwe,” said Minister Kwidini.

He added that the initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which prioritises the transformation of Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, with world-class healthcare as a key pillar.

The Avenues Clinic General Manager, Mrs. Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, echoed the sentiments, saying, “As a private healthcare institution, we are honoured to once again contribute to the Egypt–Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, a truly life-changing initiative. Our support reflects our broader commitment to partnerships that put people first.”

Zimbabwe sees an estimated 4,500 children born each year with congenital heart conditions, many of whom cannot access the specialist care they require. Initiatives such as Open Heart Camp 2 provide not only immediate medical interventions but also long-term training and capacity building for local health professionals.

As the country continues to pursue healthcare reforms under Vision 2030, stakeholders say more PPPs like these are essential to bridging service delivery gaps and improving access to specialist care for vulnerable populations.

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