CURE International Honours Dr. Chris Lavy and The Beit Trust for their Remarkable Contributions to Paediatric Health in Africa

Dr. Chris Lavy is an example of how one person can change the world.

Dr. Lavy has dedicated his life to utilizing his God-given talents to make the world a better place. As a result, thousands of children across southern Africa today can walk, talk, play, and live normal lives.

The newly-named Chris Lavy Surgical Centre will serve as a reminder to all who visit the CURE Children’s Hospital in Zimbabwe of the impact that one man — Dr. Lavy — has had on those living in sub-Saharan Africa.

In addition to being a world-class orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Lavy is a trustee and council member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and a founding council member of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), a respected international body that fosters postgraduate education in surgery and provides surgical training in East, Central and Southern Africa.

Dr. Chris Lavy cuts the ribbon at the plaque ceremony

Great work is made possible by generous resources. In 1906, the Beit Trust was established by the will of financier and philanthropist Alfred Beit “for the benefit of the people in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.” For over 100 years, the Beit Trust has funded a variety of initiatives across southern Africa that include everything from building hospitals and bridges to supporting scholarships and wildlife conservation.

The Beit Trust has been a tremendous partner to CURE International. Their support opened the doors of the Beit-CURE International Hospital in Malawi in 2002, the Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital Zambia in 2006, and CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe in 2019. Dr. Lavy was personally involved in the process of opening each of these hospitals and served as Medical Director of CURE Malawi for many years.

“No man is an island and no great accomplishment is ever done alone,” said Dr. Lavy. “The tremendous service and sacrifice of many people, especially that of Dr. Collen Msasanure, Mrs. Veronica Ndlovhu, Neil Brown, and Richard Little, have made CURE Zimbabwe the blessing that it is today.”

Without Dr. Lavy and the Beit Trust, thousands of children in sub-Saharan Africa would still be suffering from treatable disabilities today. Their significant actions have allowed CURE International to succeed in its mission to bring hope and healing to children who need it most. It is with great gratitude that CURE International has proudly commemorated its surgical centre with a permanent plaque to honour the lasting impact of Dr. Lavy and the Beit Trust.

Dr. Chris Lavy and David Long, Beit Trust Representative at the plaque ceremony outside the operating theatre at CURE Zimbabwe

Learn more about Beit Trust here.

Photo of the Melissa Hall

About the Author:

Melissa joined CURE UK in June 2021, heading up Marketing, Communications, and Events. On her visit to CURE Children's Hospital of Zimbabwe in September 2022 she experienced the people and the environment that makes a CURE hospital so special! She makes every effort to communicate this to readers everywhere.