HARARE, ZIMBABWE – Cimas Health Group has partnered with Smilestar, a UK-based charity dental organisation, to deliver a two-week dental outreach programme in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North province.
The programme, which ended March 20, brought essential oral healthcare to underserved communities.
The outreach utilised Cimas Health Group’s fully equipped mobile clinic, enabling the provision of the same quality of care as a high-end dental practice.
A team of Smilestar and Cimas doctors, assisted by Dr. Blanch, offered free restorative work, periodontal treatments, and simpler endodontic cases.
The programme successfully treated patients at the Chinotimba Clinic (Chinotimba Medical Centre) in Victoria Falls for four days, followed by a stint at the Hwange Miombo Safari Camp in Dete.
Dr Mitesh Badiani, founder of Smilestar, praised the partnership, stating that Cimas Health Group’s support, including the provision of a doctor, nurse, and mobile clinic, significantly improved the quality and reach of the program.
“Cimas Health Group’s support, including the provision of their doctor, Alan Gura, a nurse,
and a fully equipped mobile dental clinic, significantly enhanced our ability to deliver
quality care with more treatment options for the local population,” doctor Badiani said.
“Such a setup allowed us to offer much better services, as we were able to refer for
restorative treatments and simple root fillings work to doctor Alan Gura ensuring more
comprehensive dental care for the communities we serve.
“We have not been able to offer such a service in our previous
outreach programmes. This is how I envisage the future of Smilestar all over the world
where a mobile dental clinic accompanies our team in every outreach we undertake.”
Cimas Health Group’s CEO, Vuli Ndlovu, echoed the importance of the initiative.
“We are proud to have collaborated with the UK-based Smilestar and other local partners
who also came on board such as Chinotimba Clinic (Chinotimba Medical Centre), Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge and Hwange Miombo Safari Camp for this initiative which is crucial in
enhancing oral health awareness and accessibility, ultimately contributing to overall
community well-being,” Ndlovu said.
“Smilestar’s goal of delivering free dental care to those in need, particularly in areas where
access to such services is limited perfectly aligns with our purpose at Cimas Health Group
hence, the effective partnership for this outreach programme.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” he said.
Ndlovu said as Cimas Health Group they fully support the government programmes.
“Our officials will on March 20 (today) join the Ministry of Health and Childcare organised
commemorations of this year’s World Oral Health Day, at Kusile Government Primary
School in Lupane District, Matabeleland North province,” he noted.
The program highlighted the significant need for oral hygiene education and dietary guidance within schools to prevent dental issues.
