Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
MUTARE residents are gearing up for the annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk, set for November 1, as the city once again joins hands in raising awareness, funds, and hope in the ongoing fight against cancer.
Now in its 10th year, the event has grown into one of Mutare’s most anticipated health awareness activities, bringing together individuals, corporates, health institutions, and civil society under one message: that early detection saves lives.
In an interview, Zimpapers Mutare branch events lead person, Ms Eunice Sibanda, said this year’s walk will be held under the theme: ‘Walk, Run, Cycle and Believe In The Cause’, and seeks to mobilise the community to take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection.
“This walk is, not just a fitness event – it is a health campaign with a purpose. Every step we take on that day is a step towards hope, awareness, and action. We are walking for our loved ones, for survivors, and for those who continue to fight this disease,” said Ms Sibanda, adding that the Power Walk will start from the Manicaland Motoring Club, with participants walking 5km and 10km across key city routes, before returning for a wellness session that includes basic health checks and cancer screening.
“We want the Mutare community to walk for someone – a friend, relative, survivor, or even for themselves. Cancer has touched nearly every family, and this event allows us to show solidarity and remind one another that early detection can save lives,” added Ms Sibanda.
The Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk, launched in 2015, has become an annual tradition across Zimpapers branches, with the Mutare edition gaining steady momentum each year.
The event is hosted in partnership with Island Hospice and Healthcare, an organisation known for its pioneering role in palliative care and cancer support services.
Ms Sibanda said the partnership between Zimpapers and Island Hospice has given the walk both heart and purpose.
“This partnership gives the event a deeper meaning because the proceeds go directly towards improving the lives of people living with cancer. Through Island Hospice and Healthcare, we are ensuring that those battling cancer receive the care, counselling, and support they deserve,” she said.
She encouraged local companies, schools, and individuals to take part in their large numbers, saying the walk is open to everyone who wishes to make a difference.
In an interview, Island Hospice and Healthcare Manicaland branch coordinator, Mrs Alice Dube said the collaboration between the two organisations is a strategic effort to combine media reach with healthcare expertise for greater community impact.
“The partnership between Island Hospice and Zimpapers is centred on the Cancer Power Walk, launched through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015. It brings together Island Hospice’s palliative care experience and Zimpapers’ communication platforms to raise cancer awareness, mobilise funds, and promote early detection in our communities,” she explained.
She said the funds raised through the Mutare walk will be used to support cancer patients and their families.
“The proceeds from the Cancer Power Walk directly translate into better patient care, wider community reach, and stronger health system support.
“They help us serve more patients regardless of their financial ability, increase awareness about cancer, and promote early screening and healthy lifestyles,” she said.
Mrs Dube stressed that cancer is, not only a medical condition, but also a social issue that affects entire families and communities.
“We want participants to remember that early detection saves lives.
People should know their bodies and seek screening early. Cancer affects entire communities – survivors, families, and caregivers all need ongoing support, including palliative and psychosocial care.
Most importantly, collective action matters. Community participation, giving, and advocacy sustain the services that reach the most vulnerable,” she said.
Mrs Dube said members of the public can continue supporting Island Hospice and Healthcare beyond the walk through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, or partnerships on awareness and screening programmes.
