China on Monday handed over modern eye surgery equipment to a Zambian hospital aimed at improving eye surgery in the southern African nation.

The equipment was donated to the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital under the “Bright Journey” program being conducted by Chinese doctors who have been in Zambia for the past two weeks.

It is a global campaign under the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at galvanizing support and efforts towards the elimination of blindness in the world.

The team has been conducting eye surgery operations at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Lusaka, the country’s capital and will then move to Livingstone General Hospital in the southern part of the country.

During the two weeks that the program has been running so far, about 822 people were screened for eye problems, with 110 being eligible for cataract surgery.

Kennedy Malama, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the donation of modern eye equipment will go a long way in improving eye-health care in the country.

He said the support received from China will help Zambia improve its health facilities to enable them operate at an optimal level and provide the requisite health care.

“It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I recognize the people and the government of China’s dedication to the provision of quality health services to Zambia. I am heartened that Chinese support to this hospital has been wholesome and comprehensive. Their generosity extends not only to providing high-tech medical equipment but also to training members at our health facilities,” he said in a speech read for him by Elwyn Chomba, Vice-Chancellor for the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University.

Ouyang Daobing, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, said “Bright Journey” program was a trip to bring bright for cataract patients as well as a trip for medical technology exchange between China and Zambia ophthalmologists.

He further said the program was also a trip to enhance friendship and promote further health cooperation between China and Zambia.

He said the embassy was pleased and gratified that the medical team has been able to provide relief to the patients.

According to him, China and Zambia share profound traditional friendship and enjoy more and closer cooperation in the field of medical care and public health.

“We believe that more Zambian patients with cataracts and other eye diseases will continue to benefit from this program in the long-term,” he said.

Winnie Mwatang’ombe, one of the beneficiaries who had a successful surgery, thanked China for the program and urged more local people with eye problems to visit the hospital.

She said after the surgery she was now able to see clearly and thanked the doctors for the successful surgery.