Helena Ndume
Helena Ndume | |
|---|---|
| Born | Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume 1960 (age 64–65) Tsumeb, Namibia |
| Alma mater | University of Leipzig |
| Known for | notable for her charitable work among sufferers of eye-related illnesses in Namibia |
| Awards | Red 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]
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
- Lions Club International Humanitarian Award (2022)[12]
- The Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award (2022)[13]
- Helena Ndume and Jorge Fernando Branco Sampaio of Portugal became the first recipients of the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize on 22 June 2015.[14]
- Grand Commander of the Order of Namibia First Class;
- Red Cross International Humanitarian Service Award (2009);
- Rotary International Humanitarian Award in the fight against blindness (2008);
- Namibia National Science Award (2005);
- Humanitarian award in the prevention of blindness in Santa Barbara, California, USA (2001);
- Lions International Award in recognition of sincere and devoted efforts with Lions Operation Brightsight Project (1999).[15]
References
- ^ a b "BBC 100 Women 2018: Who is on the list?". BBC. 18 November 2018.
- ^ a b Agarwal, Natasha (15 July 2024). "Helena Ndume". Tales of African Women Trailblazers (PDF). Estero, Florida: Believe N' Books. pp. 33–37. ISBN 979-8333204943.
- ^ 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.
- ^ McCarthy, Diane (11 September 2011). "Namibia's 'miracle doctor' brings gift of sight". Cable News Network. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "Famous eye doctor, Helena Ndume to receive Lions Humanitarian Award". Namibia Economist. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
- ^ a b SHEJAVALI, NANGULA (7 October 2009). "Helena Ndume – 'miracle doctor' restoring eyesight". The Namibian. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "SEE International - Namibia". SEE International. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
- ^ Eric, Gift (16 November 2022). "Dr Helena Ndume". BeeTeeLife. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Meet winners of the Forbes Woman Africa Awards, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka wins Lifetime Achievement Award". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ "General Assembly awards first-ever UN Nelson Mandela Prize to nationals of Namibia and Portugal". 22 June 2015.
- ^ "Dr. Helena Ndume (Namibia)" (PDF). www.un.org.