Collective effort needed to curb childhood cancer threat, promote good health

STAKEHOLDERS must accelerate partnerships and support free treatment while expanding community awareness to improve childhood cancer survival rates and good health.

Health awareness coordinator at Kidscan Zimbabwe, Ms Charity Kawadza, said this in an interview with Zimbabwe, highlighting the importance of working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to assist children diagnosed with cancer in public hospitals.

“We are focused on improving survival rates of children with cancer by ensuring that every child is cared for in a supportive and nurturing environment,” said Ms Kawadza who was in Bulawayo for the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 Expo.

While her organisation operates in Harare and Bulawayo, supporting patients in major referral hospitals, including Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals, she stressed the need to expand services across the country.

Ms Kawadza said KIDZCAN Zimbabwe provides free chemotherapeutic drugs, diagnostic services such as kidney scans, blood and tissue tests, as well as psychosocial support for patients and their families.

“These diagnostic tests are critical as they guide the treatment plan and help determine the exact nature and location of the cancer,” she said.

To address treatment defaulting, the organisation has introduced a “home away from home” facility in Harare to accommodate children and their caregivers during treatment.

“We realised that patients travelling from areas more than 30 kilometres away were missing treatment cycles due to distance, cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge and other challenges. The facility allows us to provide accommodation, counselling and nutritional support,” she said.

Ms Kawadza urged parents to seek early medical attention when they notice unusual symptoms in children.

“Parents should visit their nearest clinic or health centre if they detect any abnormalities. Early diagnosis significantly improves chances of recovery, and we do have survivors of childhood cancer,” she said.

She highlighted the most common cancers affecting children in Zimbabwe, including blood cancer (leukaemia), kidney cancer, eye cancer, as well as cancers of the brain, bones and lymph glands.

“Children with blood cancer may present with symptoms such as fatigue, frequent illness, unexplained bleeding and persistent fever. Kidney cancer often causes abdominal swelling, while eye cancer may be noticed when a child’s eyes appear different in colour,” she explained.

Ms Kawadza also emphasised the link between HIV and certain cancers, urging parents and guardians to ensure adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

“If children living with HIV do not take their medication consistently, cancer can develop as an opportunistic condition. It is important to keep the virus suppressed to reduce this risk,” she said.

KIDZCAN Zimbabwe recently participated at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where it partnered with the National AIDS Council to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its link to HIV.

“We are grateful for the support from the National AIDS Council, which helps us strengthen our work and contributes to improving survival rates among children,” she said.

HIV testing is already being routinely conducted before initiating cancer treatment in children to ensure proper management and avoid complications.

Ms Kawadza encouraged communities to follow the referral system within the health sector, noting that central hospitals are equipped to handle specialised cancer treatment and can connect patients with organisations such as Kids Care Zimbabwe for further assistance.