December 10 2024, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has contributed US$15,000 to support hernia surgeries for 50 underprivileged children.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Celebration Health, the charitable medical division of Celebration Ministries International, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC). Palmer Mugavha, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Brand and Marketing, confirmed the partnership, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
Wadzanai Chitaukire, the Chief Operations Officer of Celebration Ministries International, expressed gratitude for the bank’s donation, which will cover the costs of hernia surgeries for children from across Zimbabwe. While the cost of a hernia surgery in private practice can average US$2,000, the surgeries will be conducted pro bono by medical teams, with only incidental costs of about US$300 per procedure.
Celebration Health’s Medical Director, Dr. Freeblessing Murahwa, explained that the surgeries would take place at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare under the “Hernia Weekend Camp” program. This program allows a team of pediatric surgeons and anesthetists to perform surgeries over a weekend every month for the children in need.
Mugavha emphasized Stanbic Bank’s pride in supporting such transformative initiatives. He noted that the donation aligns with the bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) goals, which prioritize healthcare among other community needs. He also mentioned the significant backlog of over 600 children in need of hernia surgery, underscoring the challenges many face in accessing essential medical care.
Mugavha reiterated that Stanbic Bank is dedicated to addressing the needs of Zimbabwe’s vulnerable populations and is proud to partner with organizations like Celebration Health Trust to bring lasting change. The bank’s CSI programs also focus on health, education, sports, and environmental sustainability, with notable past contributions such as donations of medical equipment and funding for life-changing surgeries.
In addition to this recent contribution, Stanbic Bank has supported healthcare through previous initiatives, including a US$80,000 donation of autoclaves to hospitals across the country to maintain high hygiene standards and a US$22,500 grant to Cure Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe for surgeries to correct disabilities in children.
Stanbic Bank’s continued support demonstrates its commitment to improving the wellbeing of Zimbabwe’s communities through collaborative efforts and impactful donations.
Representatives from Stanbic Bank and Celebration Ministries International at the donation handover ceremony (from left) Celebration Health Head Nkosi Kapswara; Stanbic Head of Public Sector Sarah Charangwa; Celebration Ministries International Chief Operations Officer Wadzanai Chitaukire; Stanbic Head of Brand and Marketing Palmer Mugavha; Stanbic Bank Marketing Manager Client Segments Tariro Memo; and Celebration Health Medical Director Dr. Freeblessing Murahwa.
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