daniel chigunwe
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
ELDERLY cancer patients at Mpilo Central Hospital, aged 65 and above, recently received food hampers from Cancer Serve Zimbabwe in collaboration with various partners. Health experts have emphasised the importance of nutritious food in mitigating the effects of the disease.
Director of Cancer Serve Zimbabwe Dr Anna Mary Nyakabawo, said the initiative is intended to support cancer patients by promoting healthy dietary habits, which can improve their quality of life during treatment.
Many beneficiaries, already burdened by the high costs of cancer care, expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that it alleviated some of the financial strain they face in accessing both treatment and nutritious food.
“I am grateful. Things are already expensive these days, and this gesture has truly eased the burden,” said Mr Anthony Mbondiya, one of the recipients. “We are already struggling to afford injections, medications and CT scans, which are all costly.”
The hampers included mealie-meal, cooking oil and other essential food items. Patients explained that their doctors recommend diets high in fibre to help strengthen the immune system.
Ms Tinotenda Musariri, a patient from Hwange, said the food hampers would go a long way in reducing her costs. “CT scans cost me around US$330 per session and that’s just one part of the treatment. Public hospitals often lack essential materials and equipment, forcing us to seek care at private facilities,” she said.
“I go for chemotherapy every two weeks and the challenge has been the costs involved. We’re told to eat foods and take medications rich in fibre to help increase blood sugar levels but such items are expensive.
I am truly grateful to Dr Nyakabawo for what she has done for us today. This will definitely make a difference and help us save money,” she added.
The donation is meant to encourage resilience among patients by promoting healthy eating habits. Speaking at the event, Dr Nyakabawo said the initiative is part of her ongoing effort to engage with patients, staff and policymakers during her visits to Bulawayo, particularly during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) period.
“These hampers may not last long but they are symbolic of the importance of nutrition in cancer care. Nutritious food can act as a natural form of immunotherapy,” she explained. “Sadly, in our country, cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages unlike in developed nations where early detection is more common.”
Dr Nyakabawo also noted the high costs and complexity of cancer treatment, which often involves multiple modalities and specialised professionals. Mpilo Central Hospital provides radiotherapy services, which include X-ray-based treatments, but these require highly trained personnel. Many patients, she said, continue to struggle with access to such care.
However, she acknowledged progress in the country’s cancer care sector, highlighting the adoption of Zimbabwe’s Cancer Control and Treatment Plan.
The plan provides strategic guidance for partners and donors, helping them understand where and how to support the national effort.
Mpilo Central Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, expressed his gratitude to Cancer Serve Zimbabwe, the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, TM Pick n Pay, and other partners.
He noted that this was the second time similar donations had been made to the hospital’s cancer patients.
Online Reporter