China delivered a high-tech eye surgery equipment on Monday to a Zambian hospital to enhance eye surgery in the South African country's medical facility.
The equipment was donated by Chinese doctors who have been in Zambia for the past two weeks to the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital under the "Bright Journey" initiative.
Under the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a global campaign aimed at galvanizing worldwide support and efforts to eliminate blindness.
The team has completed eye surgery operations at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Lusaka, the country's capital, and will then travel to the southern part of the country's Livingstone General Hospital.
Chinese Commitment to Health
Approximately 822 people were tested for eye problems during the two weeks the service has been running so far, with 110 being candidates for cataract surgery.
Kennedy Malama, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said the donation of modern eye equipment would go a long way towards improving the country's eye care.
He said China's support will help Zambia develop its health facilities to allow them to operate at an optimal level and provide the required health care.
'Bright Journey' Initiative
Malama, who was very thankful of the donation, said he accepts the "commitment of the people and government of China to providing quality health services to Zambia with deep appreciation,"
Malama added that the ministry is happy that China's suppthe ort for the hospital has been wholesome and extensive, and "their generosity extends not only to the provision of high-tech medical equipment, but also to the training of members in our health facilities."
Ouyang Daobing, the Chinese Embassy's Economic and Commercial Counselor in Zambia, said the "Bright Journey" initiative was a trip for cataract patients, as well as a trip for medical technology exchanges between China and Zambia.
He also said the program was aimed to deepen friendship and encourage more cooperation between China and Zambia in the field of health.
Malaria Control Program
In a related development, China and Zambia have introduced a preliminary program to help monitor and eradicate malaria in the southern African nation, an official said Monday.
Daobing said last week in Zambia, a team of experts from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention met with local experts and international partners to establish a malaria control and elimination plan.
He said the Chinese team collaborated with the Zambian experts to assess the current situation and the real needs in Zambia for malaria control and elimination.
