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KIDZCAN Children Cancer Relief Zimbabwe yesterday donated supplies of a chemotherapy drug, Cytarabine, worth US$30 000 to the Ministry of Health and Child Care as it steps up efforts to fight cancer in children.
The drug will be used on both children and adult patients at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Yesterday’s donation came barely three months after Kidzcan donated drugs and installed dispensers in Ward A4 at Parirenyatwa all to the tune of US$10 000, as part of Covid-19 intervention.
In a speech read on his behalf during the handover ceremony at the organisation’s offices, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro commended the gesture, adding that collaborative efforts were important to the ministry.
“The ministry is forever indebted to Kidzcan for the support it renders to Parirenyatwa on behalf of children suffering from cancer in Zimbabwe,” he said. “As most of you are aware, the ministry’s resources are limited.
“It is in this regard that collaborative efforts that help the ministry deliver on its mandate are critical. Parirenyatwa Hospital has benefited greatly from this collaboration with Kidzcan among other entities in the country.
“This collaboration has helped Parirenyatwa Hospital in the management of childhood cancer in Zimbabwe. Today we are proud recipients of the Cytarabine drug valued at US$30 000 from Kidzcan. This drug is critical in the cancer treatment protocol for both adults and children.”
Dr Mangwiro said by complementing the ministry’s role, Kidzcan was making a huge difference in the survival rate of children with cancer in the country.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care values these donations greatly, and urges other organisations to emulate this gesture,” he said. “A comprehensive health delivery system requires the participation of other stakeholders to complement Government efforts to realise Vision 2030. As a ministry, we have stepped up efforts to raise awareness on child cancers, as well as ensuring that the necessary drugs are available as and when required.”
Kidzcan executive director Mr Daniel Mckenzie said they had enough drugs to cater for children at the two hospitals.
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