Cimas Health Group has concluded a two-week outreach programme, with CEO Vuli Ndlovu emphasising that partnerships are essential for delivering sustainable and inclusive healthcare.
Ndlovu made the remarks last Thursday while at the Cimas–SmileStar Free Dental Outreach held at Matopo Mission Clinic in Matobo, Matabeleland South.
Cimas Health Group’s Dental Unit, in partnership with UK-based dental charity SmileStar and local partners including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Miombo Safari Camp, and Amalinda Safari Collection, collaborated to host the second edition of the two-week free dental outreach.
The outreach, which forms part of Cimas Health Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility, provides a range of essential oral healthcare services, including extractions and oral health education, to underserved communities in Matabeleland North and South provinces.
The dental outreach that expanded to Matabeleland South province for the first time this year commenced on March 9, in Victoria Falls building on the success of the inaugural project held last year, which saw 1156 patients receive dental care.
From March 9 to 11, the doctors were stationed at Mkhosana Council Clinic in Victoria Falls.
They then shifted base to Miombo Safari Camp in Dete, Hwange, where they operated from March 13 to 14.
The medical team then proceeded to Ethandweni Children’s Home in Matobo, from March 17 to 18, before travelling to conclude the outreach at Matopo Mission Clinic from March 19 to 20.
On the first day of the outreach at Mkhosana Clinic in Victoria Falls, 173 patients were attended with 310 extractions being done, while 16 patients received restorative treatment.
On day two, 213 patients were seen, with over 400 extractions carried out and 21 restorative procedures performed. On day three, 253 patients were attended to, with over 350 extractions and 29 restorative procedures completed.
In Dete, Hwange, on the first day at Miombo Safari Camp, 170 patients were seen, with over 300 teeth extracted and 15 restorative cases treated.
On day two, 162 patients were attended to, with over 300 extractions carried out and 23 restorative procedures performed.
On the first day at Ethandweni Children’s Home, a total of 109 extractions and 28 fillings were carried out, while on the second and final day, 197 extractions and 31 restorations were performed.
At Matopo Mission Clinic, a total of 87 patients were attended on the first day, with extractions and restorative procedures carried out.
Mr Ndlovu said strategic partnerships with both locals, government and international healthcare providers remain central to Cimas Health Group’s purpose, which is to inspire healthier communities as they enable sustainable healthcare solutions.
He noted that sustainable healthcare cannot be achieved in isolation, but through strong, purpose-driven partnerships like the one they have with SmileStar that combines expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to inspire healthier communities.
Mr Ndlovu added that their partnership with SmileStar, founded by Dr Mitesh Badiani in 2009, demonstrates how cross-border collaboration can meaningfully address gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities.
“This is our second time fusing the global expertise courtesy of UK-based doctors to provide free essential oral healthcare services, a critical yet often overlooked component of overall health, to local communities that we serve.
“As with last year’s outreach, we had a team of seven doctors and seven support staff from SmileStar and this year, the team has grown to eight doctors and eight support staff, further strengthening our capacity to deliver services to the communities we serve.”
Through the dental outreach, Ndlovu said Cimas Health Group is promoting equitable access to healthcare as well as supporting national health priorities that strengthen the country’s health ecosystem.
“At Cimas Health Group, we believe that healthcare must be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. Through this outreach, we are not only providing immediate dental care, but also raising awareness about oral hygiene and preventative health which contribute to long-term health outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
“In recognising that oral health is essential to overall wellbeing, I therefore encourage everyone to go for early dental check-ups as preventive care saves lives, reduces complications and costs,” he added.
Ndlovu further said quality healthcare should reach everyone, adding that in its operations, Cimas Health Group remain committed to complement the government’s efforts in providing accessible healthcare services, improve health outcomes and expanding access to quality healthcare services across Zimbabwe.
“As Cimas Health Group, we continue to demonstrate that healthcare goes beyond our clinics and hospitals, the reason we are investing in taking it directly to the people in different communities across the country where it is needed most through our mobile clinic,” he noted.
THE SMILESTAR FOUNDER DR MITESH BADIANI
Meanwhile, the SmileStar founder Dr Mitesh Badiani said the partnership with Cimas Health Group is playing a meaningful role in promoting preventive dental care and improving overall health outcomes across Zimbabwe.
“SmileStar works closely with Cimas Health Group in Zimbabwe to improve access to oral healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.
Through this partnership, Cimas Health Group has demonstrated a strong commitment by not only supporting SmileStar’s initiatives but also providing a fully equipped mobile dental clinic,” he noted.
Dr Mitesh Badiani said that this year’s outreach has been a great success, with over 1,000 patients attending during five days of clinical service across the Matabeleland North province, covering Victoria Falls and Dete, Hwange.
“We received a better-than-expected turnout in Matabeleland North province.
The collaboration with our local partners, including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Miombo Safari Camp and Amalinda Safari Collection and Cimas Health Group through their Dental Unit, enabled a successful delivery of the dental services in Zimbabwe and helping us achieve our intended results in the underserved communities,” Dr Badiani said.
