Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
KIDZCAN has called on the media to play an active role in raising awareness on childhood cancer, noting that the disease continues to claim young lives due to late detection, high treatment costs and limited public knowledge.
The appeal comes as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in marking September Gold, the international month dedicated to childhood cancer awareness.
KidzCan provides medication, diagnostic services, transport assistance and psychosocial support for paediatric cancer patients.
KidzCan communications officer Mr Phillip Hondokosa said the media remains a vital partner in the campaign to save children aged 0-18 from preventable cancer deaths.
“The media has the power to change the narrative. Just one story can inspire hope, encourage early detection and even save a child’s life,” he said.
Mr Hondokosa said childhood cancer affects families across all social classes, with even affluent households struggling to cope with the costs of treatment.
“Cancer’s agony does not stop with the immediate family; it affects entire communities. That is why KidzCan is stepping in to provide 100 percent free treatment support to children, complementing the Government of Zimbabwe’s healthcare efforts,” he said.
Hondokosa said media advocacy was essential to ensuring that more children are referred early for treatment.
“Early detection is often the difference between life and death. The more people are informed, the more lives can be saved. We are asking the media to dedicate space this September to reporting on childhood cancer,” he said.
