Zimbabwe’s health sector has taken a significant step forward in addressing its long-standing challenges of resource shortages and medical brain drain. The number of orthopedic and pediatric surgeons in the country has increased, thanks to training initiatives by the College of Surgeons East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
Speaking at the COSECSA graduation ceremony in Harare, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the institution’s transformative impact.
“In 1999, Zimbabwe had 25 orthopedic surgeons. Today, this number has risen to 48, 42 of whom were trained through COSECSA,” he was quoted as saying.
The country has also seen a significant rise in pediatric surgeons, growing from just one in 1999 to 88, with COSECSA accounting for seven of these specialists, according to local reports. Additionally, Zimbabwe now benefits from plastic and reconstruction surgeons, a specialty that was previously unavailable.
COSECSA’s efforts extend beyond training, focusing on retaining skilled professionals in Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African Development Community region. The minister acknowledged this achievement, emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital.
“Training a surgeon requires significant time, commitment, and financial resources. I commend COSECSA for ensuring the continuous growth of a world-class surgical workforce,” Mombeshora said, as sited by media.
The college’s inclusivity initiatives were also celebrated, with an increasing number of female surgeons joining the workforce.
With over 900 surgical specialists certified and 1,200 currently in training across 14 countries, COSECSA has become a critical player in advancing surgical education and healthcare in the region, reported noted. Zimbabwe, which has retained 96 COSECSA-trained surgeons, is now poised to offer better healthcare access and outcomes for its communities, showcasing the potential for growth even in challenging circumstances.