Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and bereaved families have called for stronger support systems and increased awareness of palliative care following an inaugural cancer awareness and support gathering held in Masvingo on Saturday.
The event, themed “Heroes and Sheroes: A Gathering of Strength,” was organised by the Masvingo branch of Island Hospice and Healthcare and brought together health professionals, community leaders, stakeholders and individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer.
In an interview, Mr Ackmore Muchemwa, Island Hospice and Healthcare, Masvingo’s head of office, said cancer remained a major public health challenge whose effects extended beyond patients to families and communities.
“This event is born out of a simple but urgent truth: cancer does not only affect the body, it affects families, communities and futures,” he said.
“We want to bring those experiences into the open, create awareness about the different cancers people are living with, and honestly confront what support looks like on the ground.”
Mr Muchemwa said the event sought to connect patients and families with available resources while advocating for stronger healthcare systems and increased community involvement in supporting those living with cancer.
“Every cancer journey is deeply personal, yet shared suffering has a way of building extraordinary community. This theme places people firmly at the centre of care and their stories — unfiltered and honest — at the very heart of the conversation,” he said.
Mr Muchemwa said there was a need to increase public understanding of palliative care and its role in improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
“We want people to understand what palliative care is, how it works and why it matters for cancer patients and their families,” he said.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, BHASO, Masvingo City Council and the Masvingo Lions Club were among stakeholders who attended the event.
Mr Muchemwa said the gathering marked a significant milestone for Island Hospice and Healthcare’s Masvingo Branch as it seeks to expand awareness and access to palliative care services in the province.
“In many ways, this is a coming-out event for the Masvingo Branch. We are here because this province has a significant gap in palliative care response and community awareness, and we felt it was time to change that,” he said.
Island Hospice and Healthcare provides a range of palliative care services, including nursing care, psychosocial support, bereavement counselling, nurse aide hire and medical equipment hire.
Mr Muchemwa said the services were available to both Island Hospice patients and members of the wider community.
“No one should be without care simply because they are not already on our books,” he said.
