adminThandeka Moyo, Health Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care recently launched the Cancer Serve Trust to finance the various cancer care activities as well as address the plight of patients, caregivers and improve cancer policy in Zimbabwe.
According to the recent Zimbabwe Cancer Registry, about 7 165 new cases are reported annually compared to 3 519 cases in 2009.
The most common cancers are cervical, prostrate and breast which dominate cancer deaths in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro encouraged the trust to do their work diligently so that Zimbabwe achieves a better cancer care outcome.
“Together, we need to co-ordinate and address resource and funding constraints. The challenges that are being faced include inadequate funding as there is no separate cancer control budget,” said Dr Mangwiro.
He commended the trust for its noble aims and objectives, which include enhancing infrastructure and expertise, supporting cancer research and information dissemination programmes.
The Cancer Serve Trust founded by Dr Anna Nyakabau serves to finance cancer care activities and the management of oncology services in Zimbabwe.
“On the plight of patients, the Cancer Serve Trust is actively seeking funds for assistance in paying for curative chemotherapy, improving chemotherapy administration and, supporting decentralisation of some cancer services. The Trust also seeks to provide scholarships for sub-specialisation such as cancer surgery, Paediatric Oncology, Medical Oncology, Biomedical engineering & more,” she said.
The trust is also lobbying for cancer policy review with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“These lobbies include the establishment of cancer referral and navigation pathways, cancer governance structures and source funding to support key ministry posts” said Dr Nyakabau. — @thamamoe
Online Reporter