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Victor Maphosa Herald Reporter
KidzCan, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), yesterday donated an assortment of goods worth thousands of dollars to assist children with cancer at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The donation comprised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), food and toiletries.
In an interview with The Herald on the side-lines of the event, KidzCan executive director Mr Daniel Mackenzie said the donation was meant to shield children with cancer from Covid-19 infections.
“For us, September is the month that we raise awareness on child cancer. It is a time that we say to the world and communities that despite the fact that Covid-19 is here, cancer does not go away, it will always be here. And these children will need more assistance now because of their immune system.
“That is why we are making this donation today, to shield them from Covid-19. That is why we are making sure that their ward is sanitised,” Mr Mackenzie said.
He said they were also providing sanitisers at all entry points to the children’s ward and also at nurses’ station to ensure that the virus does not spread.
He said there is need to raise more awareness on cancer and added that if detected early, children can survive the disease.
“If the disease is detected earlier, their bodies can accept and tolerate chemotherapy. No child should die of cancer, they can all survive. The challenge we have is that our children seek assistance when the cancer is at an advanced stage.”
Speaking soon after receiving the donation, Parirenyatwa Hospital’s public relations officer Mr Linos Dhire thanked KidzCan for the donation.
“We would like to thank KidzCan for the donation that they made at the hospital particularly in that ward, that’s where we have vulnerable children who are affected by cancer.”
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