CHITUNGWIZA- A team of local neurosurgeons at Chitungwiza Central Hospital has successfully performed a brain tumour removal on an 11-year-old girl, marking a historic first for the institution and signalling a major advance for Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system. The procedure — a feat of precision medicine — represents a growing capacity within the country to undertake complex neurosurgical operations previously limited to a few specialised centres or accessible only abroad.
The operation was led by consultant neurosurgeon Dr Brighton Valentine Nyamapfene, who described the surgery as a “historic milestone” for the hospital’s neurosurgery department, which was only launched two years ago.
“This was the first-ever resection of a brain tumour at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, and it was performed on an 11-year-old child who is also an athlete,” Dr Nyamapfene said.
The young patient had been experiencing seizures and weakness on her left side. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a glioma — a type of tumour that develops in the brain and spinal cord cells. After meticulous preparation, Dr Nyamapfene, supported by anaesthetist Dr Tafara Zhou, assistant neurosurgeon Dr Panashe Mangozhe, and sister Milliet Wagoneka, who led the nursing team, undertook a delicate four- to six-hour procedure to remove the tumour.
Until recently, such complex neurosurgical procedures in Zimbabwe were largely the preserve of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the nation’s largest referral centre. For patients outside Harare or in need of advanced care, options were limited — often requiring travel to countries such as South Africa or India, at considerable cost.
The success at Chitungwiza Central Hospital marks a turning point, demonstrating the ability of local public institutions to provide advanced, life-saving procedures. This breakthrough reduces dependency on overseas treatment and improves accessibility for Zimbabweans across the country.
Historic Brain Tumour Surgery at Chitungwiza Central Hospital Marks Milestone for Zimbabwe’s Public Health
Brain tumour surgery is among the most demanding procedures in medicine. It involves removing abnormal tissue from one of the body’s most delicate and vital organs, without damaging areas that control speech, movement, memory, or vision. Such operations can last many hours, with surgeons working under microscopes and navigating tiny margins for error.
Dr Nyamapfene emphasised that the safe extubation of the young patient immediately after surgery was itself a significant achievement. Extubation — the removal of a breathing tube placed during mechanical ventilation — indicates that the patient was able to breathe independently without complication.
The tumour sample has been sent for further analysis to determine whether additional treatment, such as radiotherapy, will be required.
Chitungwiza Central Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Raphael Makota, hailed the successful surgery as a “giant leap forward” for healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
“A year ago, our team performed its first craniotomy to remove a blood clot, and now we have successfully removed a brain tumour. This is a huge step for the hospital and for the country,” Dr Makota said.
“This achievement demonstrates that Zimbabwean hospitals are capable of performing high-level operations that previously necessitated travel abroad. It’s a confidence booster for our institution and the nation at large.”
Dr Makota urged Zimbabweans to trust local healthcare providers. “Before looking elsewhere, citizens should explore local alternatives. We are now performing advanced procedures in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
For the girl’s family, the operation has brought immense relief and renewed hope.
Her mother, Mrs Sophia Marongepo, recounted the worrying months before the surgery. “My daughter became ill three months ago. She began losing strength in her left hand and leg and suffered severe headaches, but we did not know the cause,” she said.
“Thanks to Dr Nyamapfene and his team, the tumour was diagnosed and removed successfully. We are deeply grateful to the doctors and nursing staff for saving her life.”
This landmark surgery adds to Chitungwiza Central Hospital’s growing list of medical firsts, which already includes complex orthopaedic replacements and advanced laparoscopic procedures. These achievements are helping cement the institution’s role as one of Zimbabwe’s leading referral hospitals.
The case also reflects a broader trend across Zimbabwe’s public health sector, where capacity to undertake specialised procedures is steadily improving. At Parirenyatwa Hospital, for instance, open-heart surgeries resumed last June after a five-year hiatus, with dozens of successful procedures carried out since. Before the resumption, patients faced long waits or costly travel abroad for surgery.
The successful brain tumour removal at Chitungwiza is more than just a medical milestone — it represents a shift in Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape. By expanding capacity and building expertise in specialised fields, the country is taking crucial steps towards reducing medical dependency abroad and improving health equity.
For the neurosurgery team, the operation was not only a technical success but also a statement of possibility — showing what can be achieved through investment in skills, infrastructure, and teamwork.
As Dr Nyamapfene reflected: “This is a historic moment for our hospital. It shows that with determination and expertise, we can deliver world-class healthcare here at home.”
The operation offers renewed hope — not only for the young patient and her family but for Zimbabwe’s medical future.
Source- Heraldonline
