Biography:Helena Ndume

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Helena Ndume
Born
Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume

1960 (age 65–66)
Tsumeb, Namibia
Alma materUniversity 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
FieldsOphthalmology

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

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "BBC 100 Women 2018: Who is on the list?". 18 November 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46225037. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Agarwal, Natasha (July 15, 2024). "Helena Ndume". Tales of African Women Trailblazers. Estero, Florida: Believe N' Books. pp. 33–37. ISBN 979-8333204943. https://irp.cdn-website.com/6e1a89be/files/uploaded/Trailblazer_Stories_-_Final_File_%288%29.docx_edited_%281%29.pdf. 
  3. ↑ Ikela, Selma (22 March 2011). "For those that have made the country proud". Namibian Sun. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120425071354/http://www.sun.com.na/node/6789. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  4. ↑ McCarthy, Diane (11 September 2011). "Namibia's 'miracle doctor' brings gift of sight". Cable News Network. https://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/27/world/africa/helena-ndume-namibia-blindness/index.html. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Iipinge, Saara (March 2010). "NRCS honours a remarkable humanitarian". NRCS Newsletter. Namibia Red Cross Society. p. 5. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110921192227/http://www.redcross.org.na/NewsDocs/RC_Newsletter_Mar_2010_D5.pdf. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Famous eye doctor, Helena Ndume to receive Lions Humanitarian Award" (in en-GB). Namibia Economist. https://economist.com.na/68661/human-resources/dr-ndume-to-receive-lions-humanitarian-award/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 SHEJAVALI, NANGULA (7 October 2009). "Helena Ndume – 'miracle doctor' restoring eyesight". The Namibian. http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=28&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=60361&no_cache=1. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  8. ↑ "The Namibia Red Cross Society shows "way forward" at 2007 AGM". NRCS Newsletter. Namibia Red Cross Society. September 2007. Archived from the original on 8 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110808174104/http://www.redcross.org.na/Portals/0/September07newsletter%20reduced%20file.pdf. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  9. ↑ "SEE International - Namibia". http://programs.seeintl.org/2013/10/09/namibia/. 
  10. ↑ Eric, Gift (2022-11-16). "Dr Helena Ndume" (in en-GB). https://beeteelife.com/2022/11/dr-helena-ndume/. 
  11. ↑ Staff Reporter (2020-10-16). "At home with Dr Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume – The ophthalmologist who aspired to be a fashion designer" (in en-US). https://neweralive.na/at-home-with-dr-helena-ndaipovanhu-ndume-the-ophthalmologist-who-aspired-to-be-a-fashion-designer/. 
  12. ↑ Nakashole, Puyeipawa (15 March 2022). "'Miracle doctor' scoops international accolades". The Namibian: p. 3. https://www.namibian.com.na/110834/read/Miracle-doctor-scoops-international-accolades. 
  13. ↑ "Meet winners of the Forbes Woman Africa Awards, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka wins Lifetime Achievement Award" (in en). https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/entrepreneurs/meet-winners-of-the-forbes-woman-africa-awards-dr-mlambo-ngcuka-wins-lifetime-achievement-award-1ea8fcb8-3484-4fab-819f-95d651a72ddc. 
  14. ↑ "General Assembly awards first-ever UN Nelson Mandela Prize to nationals of Namibia and Portugal". 22 June 2015. https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=51221#.VYqQWShiEXE. 
  15. ↑ "Dr. Helena Ndume (Namibia)". https://www.un.org/pga/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/07/CV-Helena-Ndume.pdf. 



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