Harare, Zimbabwe - February 26, 2025 A China-aid program offering free cataract surgeries for 600 Zimbabwean patients was launched on Wednesday in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Under the "Bright Journey" program, a team of 12 specialists from central China's Hunan Province departed for Zimbabwe on Feb 11, with surgeries scheduled to take place from Feb 13 to March 2. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 125,000 people in Zimbabwe were living with blindness in 2021, with 62,500 cases caused by cataracts. Due to the high cost of treatment, many low-income individuals, particularly in rural areas, are unable to access care, leading to preventable blindness. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Zimbabwean Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora said that preventable blindness from cataracts remains as a major public health issue in the country, but the "Bright Journey" program is helping address the challenge. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said that the program demonstrates the strong and enduring friendship between China and Zimbabwe. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said, stressing that the program adds a vibrant touch to the anniversary celebrations. The ambassador said that the program not only helps restore vision for local patients, but also fosters exchanges between Chinese and Zimbabwean doctors and improves eye surgery expertise in Zimbabwe. Alongside surgeries, the program also includes surgical demonstrations, professional trainings, academic exchanges, and public health education sessions. Shotlist: Harare, Zimbabwe - Feb 26, 2025: 1. Various of launch, donation ceremony of China-aid "Bright Journey" program of cataract surgery in Zimbabwe in progress, guests on stage; guests posing for photos; 2. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (L2), Zimbabwean Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora (R2), other guests posing for photos; 3. Various of surgery in progress; doctors, nurses. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]