Egypt–Zimbabwe Open Heart Camp 2 Strengthens Medical Ties and Saves Lives

Zimbabwe and Egypt have deepened their medical partnership through the official launch of the second Egypt–Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, known as Open Heart Camp 2. The initiative, launched at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and life-saving medical intervention for children across Zimbabwe.

The camp aims to deliver complex open-heart surgeries to up to 10 children from nearly all provinces, building on the success of the first revived mission in 2024. That inaugural effort saw 10 children receive critical cardiac procedures, all of whom are now reportedly thriving.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Sleiman Kwidini, described the mission as more than a surgical intervention—it’s a powerful example of what African nations can achieve when they collaborate.

“This mission is far more than a surgical programme. It is a bold demonstration of African solutions for African problems,” said Dr. Kwidini. “We are here not only to witness medical miracles but to celebrate a story of solidarity, skills-sharing, and saving lives.”

Dr. Kwidini stressed that the initiative is designed not only to provide urgent surgeries but to build long-term capacity within Zimbabwe’s health sector. “Skills are not just being applied—they are being transferred, shared, and multiplied,” he said. “Our local surgeons, nurses, and specialists are learning side-by-side with one of Africa’s most accomplished surgical teams. This is capacity-building at its finest.”

Egypt’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s healthcare system was reiterated by Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Salwa Mowafi, who emphasized that the partnership would extend beyond paediatric cardiac surgery. “We are, as I mentioned, highly committed to helping all the countries in Africa — and of course our sister Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Mowafi. “We are glad to know the needs, and we are ready to share our experiences and training.”

She added that the Egyptian medical mission was only the beginning of broader support. “You see, we have here our team, a very renowned team from Egypt headed by Dr. Hisham Shaoui, and many more teams can come in order to share experiences across many specialties,” she said.

Professor Hesham Shawlky, who heads the Egyptian surgical delegation, highlighted how the programme has evolved over the past eight months. “The first camp was in November. We started with simple cases. Now, eight months later, we are doing more difficult surgeries and on younger patients,” said Prof. Shawlky.

He noted that alongside the surgical procedures, Egyptian specialists are providing ongoing training to Zimbabwean medical personnel. “Every case includes one of the Zimbabwean team members assisting. They are learning bit by bit, and we are also providing lectures from our staff,” he said.

However, Prof. Shawlky acknowledged that logistical challenges remain. “We need more supplies to maintain the programme. When we finished the last trip, we ran short of supplies, and the work could not continue,” he explained. “There are good promises now, and we hope they will be fulfilled so this programme can be sustained.”

Looking ahead, he also revealed ambitions to expand the medical collaboration into oncology. “We’re starting to link the oncology department here with one in Egypt to run a similar camp,” he said. “It’s still in the early stages, but we hope this will grow.”

Dr. Kwidini thanked both international and local partners who have made the programme possible, including Gift of Life International, the Rotary Club of Harare Central, the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC), Avenues Clinic, and Cimas. “This mission is only possible through the generous support and coordinated efforts of partners who believe in changing lives,” he said.

The launch of Open Heart Camp 2 reflects a shared vision between Egypt and Zimbabwe—to create a self-sustaining, Pan-African healthcare model where medical excellence and compassion meet. As more children receive life-saving surgeries and local capacity continues to grow, the partnership stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful example of how African nations can uplift one another through collaboration and shared expertise.