Japanese Embassy Donates US$70,000 Ophthalmic Equipment to St. Luke’s Hospital

Last Friday, the Japanese Embassy, in collaboration with Sightsavers, donated ophthalmic eye care equipment worth over US$70,000 to St. Luke’s Hospital in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province. The donation, which is part of efforts to improve eye health services in the region, is aimed at enhancing the hospital’s ability to provide much-needed care to the community.

Mr. Hiroyuki Kumagai, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Japan, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to support the initiative. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the equipment to ensure its long-term benefits for the people of Lupane and surrounding areas. “This equipment will go a long way in providing vital healthcare services to people in the district and beyond,” Mr. Kumagai stated.

Sightsavers Zimbabwe’s Country Director, Mr. Peter Bare, highlighted that the donation is part of the organization’s Inclusive Eye Health Project. This initiative has already facilitated 577 cataract surgeries and distributed 1,699 pairs of spectacles free of charge this year alone. Mr. Bare stressed the positive impact the new equipment would have on St. Luke’s Hospital, enabling it to provide essential eye care services not just in Lupane, but throughout the entire Matabeleland North Province.

“With this generous donation from the people of Japan, along with the support of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, we are working towards a future where everyone has access to the eye care services they need,” Mr. Bare remarked.

The collaboration between the Japanese Embassy, Sightsavers, and the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care underscores a shared commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in Zimbabwe. With the new equipment, St. Luke’s Hospital is now better equipped to serve the community, ensuring that more people receive the eye care they require for a healthier future.