Moffat Mungazi
Business Reporter
STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe has donated US$15 000 towards hernia surgical operations for 50 underprivileged children.
The leading financial services institution’s head, brand and marketing, Mr Palmer Mugavha said the hernia operations were being done in conjunction with Celebration Health, the philanthropic medical arm of Celebration Ministries International in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Celebration Ministries International chief operations officer, Ms Wadzanai Chitaukire said Celebration Health works in liaison with the Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care to contribute to its health care objectives.
“We are grateful to Stanbic Bank for stepping up with US$15 000 which will see hernia surgical operations for 50 underprivileged children from all over the country. Ordinarily, a hernia operation in private practise would costs on average US$2 000, but our teams are doing them pro bono with only sundry costs at an average of US$300,” said Ms Chitaukire.
Celebration Health medical director, Dr Freeblessing Murahwa said the hernia surgical operations will be conducted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare under the Hernia Weekend Camp Programme in which a team of paediatric surgeons and anaesthetists spends one weekend every month working on the beneficiaries.
Mr Mugavha said Stanbic Bank takes pride in entering such a partnership which is about transforming lives and giving hope to those who need it most.
He said the donation by Stanbic Bank demonstrated the institution’s unwavering commitment to actively participating in initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen the nation.
Mr Mugavha said the Standard Bank Group subsidiary has well-crafted Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes designed to address critical needs with healthcare at the forefront of its efforts.
“At Stanbic Bank, our purpose is Zimbabwe is our home and we drive her growth. This is not just a statement but something we are committed to see through hence today we are here to support a cause that resonates deeply with us,” said Mugavha.
He said the backlog of over 600 children in need of hernia surgeries around the country is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in accessing essential medical care.
Mugavha said the move to help the children with surgeries not only improved their health but also restores their ability to dream, grow and thrive.
“The work being done by Celebration Health Trust aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting the most vulnerable members of our society and providing solutions that ensure long-term impact. As we handover this grant today, I want to commend Celebration Health Trust and your team of patriotic surgeons for your unwavering dedication to this mission. Your efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive change that be achieved when we come together,” said Mugavha.
He said Stanbic is proud to be part of an initiative whose impact will extend far beyond the surgeries performed by changing lives, strengthening families and inspiring communities.
Mugavha said Stanbic Bank’s CSI initiatives cover health and sanitation, education, sports and the environment.
Under health care, Stanbic Bank has touched the lives of the young and old by funding life-changing initiatives throughout the country.
In September this year, Stanbic Bank donated autoclaves worth US$80 000.00 to Parirenyatwa Hospital, Sally Mugabe Hospital, Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare and Ingutsheni in Bulawayo for the sterilisation of vital equipment and maintenance of higher standards of health control.
The autoclaves ensure the adherence to top-level health control standards through the sterilisation of equipment and infection and germ control.
Last year, Stanbic Bank established a partnership with Cure Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe (CCHOZ) through which the financial services institution gave a US$22 500 grant to fund life changing surgical operations for 15 children living with correctible disabilities.
Stanbic Bank also donated two hemodialysis machines to valued at US$50000 to Marondera Hospital, In Mashonaland East Province last year. The machines have gone a long way in easing the burden faced by patients with kidney challenges who need their blood to be purified using the advanced medical equipment.
