Helena Ndume

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Helena Ndume
Born
Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume

1960 (age 64–65)
Tsumeb, Namibia
Alma mater University of Leipzig
Known fornotable for her charitable work among sufferers of eye-related illnesses in Namibia
AwardsRed Cross International Humanitarian Service Award (2009); Grand Commander of the Order of Namibia First Class
Scientific career
Fields Ophthalmology

Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume (born 1960) [1] [2] is a Namibian ophthalmologist, notable for her charitable work among sufferers of eye-related illnesses in Namibia. To date, Ndume has ensured that some 30,000 blind Namibians have received eye surgery and are fitted with intra-ocular lens implants free of charge. [3] Ndume is currently the head of the ophthalmology department at Windhoek Central Hospital, Namibia's largest hospital, [4] and is one of only six Namibian ophthalmologists. [5] She was listed as one of BBC's 100 women during 2018. [1] Her biggest goal in life is to end preventable blindness and to build a team of committed young people to carry on with the mission even when she is not here. [6]

Contents

Early life and education

Ndume was born in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region in 1960. [2] She studied medicine in University of Leipzig, before returning to Namibia in 1989 to complete a medical internship. She later returned to Germany, to specialise in ophthalmology at the University of Saarland. [7]

Work in Namibia

In 1995, Ndume was introduced to Surgical Eye Expeditions International, and set about starting a project in Namibia. In August 1997, the first eye camp was held at Rundu, Kavango Region. Currently, four or five eye camps are held each year in different locations. [7]

Work with the Namibia Red Cross Society

For six years, from 2001 to 2007, Ndume was vice chairperson of the Namibia Red Cross Society. [8] In 2009, she was honoured with a humanitarian award by the NRCS for her work in restoring sight to those blinded by cataracts. [5]

Work with SEE International

Ndume has volunteered with sight-restoring nonprofit SEE International since 1995. [6] Since then, SEE International and Ndume have collaborated to hold free week-long eye clinics in Namibia, typically twice every year. These clinics provide free eye surgeries for approximately 300 impoverished men, women, and children. [9]

Personal life

Ndume is married to Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu, who is also an eye specialist. [10] She has one son. [11]

Awards and recognition

References

  1. 1 2 "BBC 100 Women 2018: Who is on the list?". BBC. 18 November 2018.
  2. 1 2 Agarwal, Natasha (15 July 2024). "Helena Ndume". Tales of African Women Trailblazers (PDF). Estero, Florida: Believe N' Books. pp. 33–37. ISBN   979-8333204943.
  3. ↑ Ikela, Selma (22 March 2011). "For those that have made the country proud". Namibian Sun . Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  4. ↑ McCarthy, Diane (11 September 2011). "Namibia's 'miracle doctor' brings gift of sight". Cable News Network . Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  5. 1 2 Iipinge, Saara (March 2010). "NRCS honours a remarkable humanitarian" (PDF). NRCS Newsletter. Namibia Red Cross Society. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  6. 1 2 "Famous eye doctor, Helena Ndume to receive Lions Humanitarian Award". Namibia Economist. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  7. 1 2 SHEJAVALI, NANGULA (7 October 2009). "Helena Ndume – 'miracle doctor' restoring eyesight". The Namibian. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  8. ↑ "The Namibia Red Cross Society shows "way forward" at 2007 AGM" (PDF). NRCS Newsletter. Namibia Red Cross Society. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 August 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  9. ↑ "SEE International - Namibia". SEE International. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  10. ↑ Eric, Gift (16 November 2022). "Dr Helena Ndume". BeeTeeLife. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  11. ↑ Staff Reporter (16 October 2020). "At home with Dr Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume – The ophthalmologist who aspired to be a fashion designer" . Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  12. ↑ Nakashole, Puyeipawa (15 March 2022). "'Miracle doctor' scoops international accolades". The Namibian . p. 3. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  13. ↑ "Meet winners of the Forbes Woman Africa Awards, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka wins Lifetime Achievement Award". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  14. ↑ "General Assembly awards first-ever UN Nelson Mandela Prize to nationals of Namibia and Portugal". 22 June 2015.
  15. ↑ "Dr. Helena Ndume (Namibia)" (PDF). www.un.org.
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