MARTIN MAWAYA
Bulawayo-Operation of Hope, a United States and Canada-based surgical charity, is returning to Zimbabwe in May 2025 to perform free cleft lip and facial reconstructive surgeries at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.
This will be the organization’s 34th surgical mission to Zimbabwe since they first began working in the country in 2006.
Over the past 19 years, Operation of Hope has performed more than 5,000 free surgeries for children and adults with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities.
According to Jennifer Mora Trubenbach, Chief Executive Officer and Mission Director of Operation of Hope, the all-volunteer surgical team plans to perform 90+ free surgeries during their May 2025 visit.
Screening days will be on May 3rd and May 11th at Mpilo Hospital.
“Having an attractive smile is crucial not only for self-esteem but also for the ability to interact effectively in modern society, where smiling is one of the most basic interactions between people,” Trubenbach said.
“Some of these children don’t have a smile at all. Often, they cover their mouths and are hidden from school or church because of this relatively easy to fix problem.”
Operation of Hope relies on the generosity of private citizens, sponsors, and medical volunteers to provide these life-changing surgeries at no cost to patients and their families.
The organization’s funding comes from ordinary people with big hearts who understand the importance of these procedures.
Schweppes Zimbabwe has been a longtime supporter, providing juice and water for patients before and after surgery.
Econet has also helped spread the word to prospective patients, especially those in rural areas.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also shown its support by waiving medical and nursing council fees for the Operation of Hope team in the past, saving them thousands of dollars.
This year’s volunteer team represents medical professionals from Canada, California, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
In the United States, these types of facial reconstructive surgeries can cost between $35, 000 to $80, 000.
“We are so thankful to the beautiful people of Zimbabwe and their incredible spirit,” Trubenbach said.
“This is more than just providing medical care – it’s about restoring confidence and giving these children a chance to thrive in society.”
