MPILO Central Hospital in Bulawayo was yesterday officially handed over a refurbished 34-bed ward for recuperating children born with cleft lip and cleft palate congenital deformities by Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited.
The hospital also took delivery of mattresses, bedding and curtains.
The ward was adopted by Schweppes, a partner of the Operation of Hope Mission who gave it a facelift to ensure that the children heal in a conducive environment.
Ms Ropafadzo Gwanetsa, the Corporate Affairs Executive at Schweppes Holdings said the partnership served as a significant milestone in the journey with Operation of Hope adding that it is not only the power of collaboration but also the unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the affected children and their families.
The ward got new curtains, mattresses, blankets, sheets, and plumbing work for the restrooms, tiling, painting, and signage too.
Ms Gwanetsa said at Schweppes, they firmly believe that corporate entities have a responsibility to give back to society and their responsibility encompasses the well-being of the communities they serve.
“We are committed to leveraging our resources and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and society as a whole. For the past 18 years, Schweppes has been proudly associated with Operation of Hope, an organisation dedicated to providing life-changing surgical care and medical assistance to those with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Our collaboration has been driven by a shared vision of promoting good health and ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3,” she said.
Mpilo Central Hospital representative Matron Sithabisiwe Ndlovu said they were grateful for the kind gesture from the friends of the institution.
“This is a wonderful gift from Schweppes Africa Holdings Limited. Mpilo means life and people admitted here are looking forward to getting that life. Through public-private partnerships, we recognise that you have done a great job for the hospital for the past years. In the provision of quality patient care, comfort comes first, the patients who will be admitted will benefit so much,” she said.
She said the blankets donated will go a long way in ensuring the warmth of the patients as the winter season approaches.
Schweppes Africa Holdings Limited will also provide nutritious meals for all the children who will be admitted to the specific ward after undergoing life-changing surgeries and promised to do more for the institution going forward.
“But our work does not stop here. We understand that there is still much more to be done, and we remain resolute in our dedication to supporting Operation of Hope and their continued efforts in providing healthcare needs across the globe. We remain steadfast in this commitment and we are keen on expanding this project together with other corporates focusing on child healthcare needs,” added Ms Gwanetsa.
Chief executive officer of Operation of Hope Mrs Jennifer Trubenbach, who is already in the country for surgeries that commence today for the next two weeks said the organisation has been in Zimbabwe since 2006 and has been providing free surgery for children with cleft lip and palate.
“We have been at Mpilo Hospital for nine years now, and we bring in a special group of surgeons who do facial reconstructive surgery that includes the cleft lip and the cleft palate which is the hole in the roof of the mouth,” said Mrs Trubenbach.
SOURCE : SUNDAY NEWS
