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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Journalists in Harare are undergoing training on childhood cancer awareness to empower them to amplify the narrative during the awareness month and beyond.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative promoting awareness, research, and advocacy for children affected by cancer.
KidzCan organised the workshop.
The organisation’s executive director, Mr Daniel MacKenzie said they have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health and Childcare, adding that they support four hospitals in Zimbabwe, that is Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe, Sekuru Kaguvi and Mpilo Hospitals.
“As part of its mandate, KidzCan raises awareness on childhood cancers in Zimbabwe and provides diagnostic services, chemotherapy drugs, bus fares for parents and caregivers who cannot afford it, psychosocial support, and home services,” he said
“The mission is to increase the survival rate of children suffering from cancer in Zimbabwe. This complements Government’s efforts to increase the survival rate. The WHO Global Initiative (GICC) targets 60 percent by 2030 from the current levels of approximately 20 percent.
“We aim to align with the WHO GICC targets by addressing lack of awareness, late diagnosis and delayed treatment,” he said.
“Early detection and treatment significantly improve the survival rate. Continuous awareness efforts have yielded notable success, with growing survivor numbers.”
KidzCan is the only non-profit organisation that comprehensively supports childhood cancer in Zimbabwe and was registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation in 2009.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter