Medical Mission International funds unique local projects that create both profitability and sustainability. For example, MMI has partnered with Zimbabwe’s South Medical Hospital to fund agriculture projects located on the hospital’s property. This funding has provided the labour and materials to build a 1000 metre greenhouse on the hospital’s property. The greenhouse and surrounding cultivated fields now produce crops of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, peas, potatoes, and kale.

The access to fresh vegetables gives the hospital an efficient way to provide high-nutrition meals to patients, most who are impoverished and typically suffer from nutritional deficiencies. The surplus vegetables are taken to local markets and stores where they are sold. Money generated through sales assists in overall hospital operations, allows the hospital to provide additional pro-bono services to poor patients, and also provides funding to send medical teams into rural areas in Zimbabwe to treat impoverished people living in isolated areas.

“It has been really exciting,” said Dr. Mathew Wazara, who serves as MMI’s medical advisor in Zimbabwe and has been directly involved in the development and operations of MMI-funded agricultural project. According to Wazara, the hospital also hosts an “open,” day where fresh vegetables are given free of charge to needy people in the area.

“The partnership between South Medical and MMI is making a real impact,” said Dr. Wazara. “This agricultural project is just another example of the substantial gains we are making here together. These are big achievements in our community.”