MEDIA KEY IN CANCER FIGHT

 Tanaka Mahanya

THE Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has joined the world in raising cancer awareness.

The Ministry hosted a breast cancer awareness and screening event for both female and male media practitioners in Harare yesterday.

There were also diabetes and hypertension checks.

It embarked on this initiative to conscientise media workers as they play a pivotal role in informing, educating and entertaining the nation.

The Ministry believes media personnel will in turn inform and educate others from a knowledgeable point of view.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said:

“Clinical and self-breast examination among other screening methods helps in achieving early diagnosis.

“Let us rise together through spreading the message of a healthy and varied diet, maintaining weight, exercising and eating whole foods.”

 Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana, said communication plays a key role in raising awareness.

“When Government rolled out the Covid-19 vaccination programme, the seventh person to be vaccinated was a journalist.

“The main reason behind prioritising journalists is because they are at the forefront, and act as vehicles of delivering information to the nation. 

“The media will play a major role in demystifying rumours and ensure people are well informed,” he said.

The Ministry, he said, believes members of the media are opinion leaders and their engagement, in cancer screening campaigns, will create a clear picture and ensure accurate reporting.