Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
ACTING President Kembo Mohadi has hailed public-private partnerships in Zimbabwe’s cancer response, describing them as instrumental in improving patient care and treatment outcomes across the country.
He was speaking at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo yesterday during the handover of 20 chemotherapy chairs donated by Cancerserve, an organisation founded by Zimbabwean oncologist Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau, in collaboration with other partners. Ten of the chairs were allocated to Mpilo, while the remaining ten will be handed over to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Vice-President Mohadi said the donation was a powerful demonstration of unity in healthcare. He also pledged, alongside Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, to donate an additional 20 chairs each to further support cancer patients. Chemotherapy sessions can last up to five hours, making comfortable chairs essential for patients undergoing treatment. The new equipment, VP Mohadi said, will enhance comfort, restore dignity, and improve service delivery at the country’s main referral hospitals.
“These chairs, which will directly benefit cancer patients across our nation, are the result of a remarkable partnership and spirit of generosity. Through the collaborative fundraising efforts of Cancerserve, St John’s College, coordinated by Mr Justin Mariani, and the Maguires Family at the St John’s Pink Day event held on 19 July, we have witnessed how united action can lead to tangible improvements in healthcare delivery,” he said.
The Acting President also gave special recognition to Dr Nyakabau for her dedication and vision in spearheading Cancerserve’s work.
“Your dedication to the fight against cancer, your vision, and your relentless advocacy for patients have inspired many and brought us all together today. I also wish to acknowledge the commitment of St John’s College and the Maguires Family for going beyond their daily mandates to support a cause that touches so many lives. You have demonstrated that the fight against cancer is not the responsibility of one institution alone, but a collective national effort,” said Acting President Mohadi.
Acting President Mohadi said the handover was a symbol of hope, urging continued collaboration between Government, private institutions, and civil society to address the country’s healthcare needs.
“It is a reminder that when we work together as Government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society, we can make meaningful strides in improving the quality of healthcare for all Zimbabweans.
“As Government, we remain committed to strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, expanding cancer treatment services, and supporting initiatives that place the patient at the centre of care,” he said.
He said that the donation should encourage everyone to continue finding innovative and collaborative ways to address the healthcare needs of the population.
“These facilities are at the forefront of cancer treatment in our country, and this donation will go a long way in enhancing patient comfort and improving service delivery,” he said.
Dr Nyakabau said the donation marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream. She noted that Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are also approved research centres for integrating palliative care into oncology, which provides holistic support for patients and improves quality of life.
“Today, this dream has been brought to life. It has become a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and collective resolve. When Cancerserve began its journey, our vision was simple yet profound: to collaboratively make the fight against cancer a little less painful and to restore dignity and comfort to patients during their most difficult moments. Guided by existing policies such as the recently launched Cancer Control Plan,” she said.
The chemotherapy chairs were procured from MEDBEE (Pvt) Ltd, a Bulawayo-based company.
Minister Mombeshora said the Government is also working to strengthen cancer care by recruiting specialists such as radiotherapists and nuclear physicists, and entering into service contracts for new cancer treatment machines expected to arrive in the country before year-end.
@NyembeziMu
