Helena Ndume
Namibian ophthalmologist
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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]
1960 (age 65–66)
Helena Ndume | |
|---|---|
| Born | Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume 1960 (age 65–66) 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 |
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
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]