daniel chigunwe
OVER the years, cancer has increasingly become a major global health issue as it touches the lives of nearly everyone around the world.
As such, during a time the world is grappling with the disease, it is important to bring its impact to the forefront of national conversations.
Concerted efforts are being made to raise awareness on cancer, the reason why the entire month of October is referred to as the Pink Month as a way of amplifying voices and heightening initiatives around eradicating the disease.
However, raising awareness alone is not enough.
Everyone, from individuals to corporates, need to be involved.
Everyone can play a part and contribute towards achieving the desired results.
Getting screened, seeking treatment and making a donation are all crucial. Taking action and supporting the initiatives is key.
The country’s largest integrated media group, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980), has already heeded that call.
Not only is the diversified media giant a market leader in its line of business, but it is also walking the talk in raising awareness on cancer.
Through its commercial printing, radio and television divisions, the organisation is doing a lot in fighting cancer by providing space on cancer health issues across its powerful and influential platforms.
For good measure, Zimpapers holds the Cancer Power Walk every year in partnership with Island Hospice for high impact outcomes in the fight against cancer.
The annual event has been running since 2016, with all proceeds going to Island Hospice.
Last year, Zimpapers donated $20 million to Island Hospice and Healthcare.
The funds go a long way in helping the beneficiary institution to continue providing palliative care services.
As such, this year’s Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk will be held on November 4, with those in Manicaland converging at Manicaland Motoring Club in Mutare.
Apart from the walking and cycling, other activities at the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk will include free cancer screening, Zumba, aerobics and free general medical checks.
The Walk will also be held in five other major cities across the country, that is Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Chinhoyi.
Commendably, Zimpapers is already partnering other corporates to make this event a huge success.
Other entities must take a cue from this exemplary action and join hands to become partners in this noble drive.
Cancer treatment is relatively expensive and corporates need to join in and offer financial support. Associating themselves with this life-changing initiative will in turn also increase their brand visibility.
For corporates to thrive, accomplish their organisational missions and achieve their goals, they need healthy human capital. This is one of the reasons why they must join the fight against cancer.
In pursuit of attaining an empowered and prosperous upper middle income society by the Year 2030, Government is prioritising the health of its citizens.
The Second Republic is moving with speed to increase and improve access to primary health care as a way of reducing morbidity and mortality due to communicable and non-communicable diseases.
This has resulted in increased domestic funding to achieve a robust healthcare delivery system.
Overall, this will improve the quality of life and increase life expectancy for Zimbabweans
A healthy citizenry is central to the development of any country as this is the heartbeat that gives it life.
It is crucial to remember that early detection and treatment are central to defeating cancer.
Cancer survivors can also share their experiences.
Their stories can inspire others and prove that being diagnosed with cancer is not a death sentence.
Online Reporter