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Talent Gore
The media should take up the mantle of responsibility in the fight against childhood cancer as the power to influence opinions, shape narratives, and bring critical issues to the forefront of national consciousness, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Omphile Marupi has said.
Speaking during a childhood cancer media workshop organised by KidzCan Zimbabwe, Deputy Minister Marupi said the training came at a more critical time, as September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“It is a time for us to unite our efforts in the fight against this disease, which affects so many of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
“I challenge you as members of the press to take up the mantle of responsibility in the fight against childhood cancer. You are the voice that can educate, inform, and mobilise our communities.
“Through your reporting, you can help dispel myths, eliminate stigma, and encourage parents to present their children early for treatment, giving them a much-needed chance at survival.”
Deputy Minister Marupi said it was disheartening that many children diagnosed with cancer in Zimbabwe present at advanced stages of the disease.
“As a result, our survival rates are low as compared to the developed world, this is due in part to delays in seeking treatment, as many families turn to traditional healers or faith-based alternatives before seeking medical help,” he said.
“The earlier these children receive medical attention, the better their chances of survival and the role of journalist is to ensure that accurate information reaches every corner of our nation so that no family makes decisions in ignorance or fear.”
He added: “The Ministry of Information stands fully committed to playing its role in supporting childhood cancer initiatives, and we will do everything within our power to spread the message and educate our people.
“We urge all journalists to join us in this cause, using every platform at your disposal to raise awareness and help save lives.”
KidzCan Zimbabwe executive director Daniel McKenzie 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 the 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.”
McKenzie said early detection and treatment significantly improve the survival rate of childhood cancer and continuous awareness efforts have yielded notable success, with growing survivor numbers.
He called for increased support towards the cancer unit as well as raising awareness across the country.
“The challenge that we have in Zimbabwe is that many of our parents do not know that children get cancer. We need to send out the message that we have a fantastic ward here and people should know that if they present early, they can be treated and assisted,” he said.
“Our patients go through a lot and we should respect and honour them. We cannot change life, but together we can make a difference through our hands.”
Online Reporter