Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah
Herald Reporter
CHITUNGWIZA residents turned out in large numbers on Friday for a childhood cancer awareness event at a medical facility in Makoni, where free health checks were offered to the community.
The event, held in partnership with KidzCan Zimbabwe, focused on teaching parents about early signs of cancer in children and the importance of seeking medical help early.
Many people who passed by, stopped to get information and basic health screenings, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and blood sugar tests.
Makoni 24hr Medical Centre operations manager, Mr Alex Kagande, said the programme sought to address the lack of awareness in the community.
“We realised there is a lack of knowledge when it comes to childhood cancer, and in many cases, children are only diagnosed at a later stage,” he said.
Early detection, he said, can save lives and urged parents to act quickly when they notice unusual symptoms.
“If you see certain symptoms, quickly go to the nearest clinic so that early intervention can take place,” he said.
Mr Kagande added that the outreach was part of the centre’s efforts to serve the Chitungwiza community, where it has operated for close to 20 years.
KidzCan Zimbabwe representatives also engaged parents and shared information on childhood cancer.
A nurse, Sister Charity Kawadza, said the outreach showed that many people are still unaware that children can get cancer.
“We are meeting people who didn’t know that children can get cancer, and others who want more information,” she said.
The organisation, she said, also works with Government hospitals to support children diagnosed with cancer.
“We want parents to act quickly when they notice something unusual so that children can get help in time,” she said.
