ZIMBABWE now boasts six plastic and reconstructive surgeons, a specialty that was previously unavailable, Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora has said.
He said this during a College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) graduation ceremony held in Harare on Wednesday.
“Prior to COSECSA’s establishment, Zimbabwe faced immense challenges in building its surgical workforce due to limited resources and a shortage of qualified trainers, ”Mombeshora said.
COSECSA is the largest surgical training institution in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Since COSECSA’s founding, the number of trained surgeons in Zimbabwe has risen dramatically,” he said.
“Similarly, the number of paediatric surgeons has increased from one to eight, seven of whom are COSECSA graduates.
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“Zimbabwe now also boasts six plastic and reconstructive surgeons, a specialty that was previously unavailable. Currently, 117 Zimbabwean trainee surgeons are undergoing training under COSECSA programmes.”
Mombeshora noted that one of the most remarkable outcomes of the initiative has been the retention of talent, with over 96% of COSECSA-trained surgeons remaining in Zimbabwe.
“This retention rate has been instrumental in addressing surgical needs across the country, including in previously underserved towns such as Marondera, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Gweru and Bindura,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of regional collaboration fostered by COSECSA.
“South-to-South co-operation has strengthened member countries, creating a platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practices that continue to enhance the skills of surgical professionals across the region,” the minister said.
Other health officials echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasising COSECSA’s role in strengthening the healthcare sector across the region.
Director of surgery at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Josephine Ngirande, said: “COSECSA has been pivotal in equipping Zimbabwean surgeons with the necessary skills to meet the demands of our healthcare system, particularly in rural and underserved areas.”
A COSECSA graduate and now a prominent paediatric surgeon in Zimbabwe, Allan Moyo, shared his personal experience.
“The training I received is internationally competitive and I am glad to be part of the wave of skilled professionals that are transforming healthcare in Zimbabwe,” he said.