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Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
There is need for increased efforts by all stakeholders in fighting cancer as the disease continues to claim more lives, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro has said.
He made the remarks while officially launching Cancerserve Trust in Harare last Friday.
Cancerserve Trust was set up to help combat cancer.
“More work still needs to be done and collaborative multi-sectoral efforts comprising various stakeholders including Government, professionals, communities, civic society and private sector is necessary for the success of cancer control,” he said.
Dr Mangwiro commended the launch of the Trust.
“The launch of Cancerserve Trust is a welcome development. The Trust is to be commended for its noble aims and objectives which include enhancing infrastructure and expertise, supporting cancer research and information dissemination programmes,” he said.
Dr Mangwiro said the fight against cancer faced a number of challenges, including inadequate funding, weak monitoring and evaluation, inadequate cancer diagnostics and treatment facilities.
He bemoaned the absence of a separate cancer control budget.
Dr Mangwiro pledged to work hand -in-hand with Cancerserve Trust in the fight against cancer.
Cancerserve Trust chairperson Dr Anna Nyakabau said more needed to be done to improve the state of the country’s cancer care services.
“Yes, we have partners such as the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Hospice Association of Zimbabwe and Island Hospice and Care who assist in cancer care treatment.
“Also, the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has been working tirelessly to increase cancer awareness and screening, but more needs to be done.
“For example, we only have two Government cancer management centres in the country, Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, serving a population of 16 million people. Clearly, these are not adequate,” she said.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and accounted for 8,8 million deaths in 2015.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter