Stanbic avails $20000 for chemotherapy drugs

Business Reporter
STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe has extended a $20 000 package to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) towards purchase of chemotherapy drugs.

The move is set to cushion less privileged cancer patients against the prevailing money market challenges, which have recently seen prices of basic commodities and medication going up.

Stanbic board member, Mr Kingston Kamba, applauded the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for prioritising medication in foreign currency allocations, a move which allows banks to apply for funds on behalf of various registered medical stakeholders.

“We are grateful to the Central Bank for prioritising medication in foreign currency allocations, and as a bank, we are sensitive to the fact that given our current economic situation, it may not be as easy to acquire the medication without access to foreign currency,” said Mr Kamba.

He said Stanbic Bank and CAZ enjoyed a strong relationship, which spans three years and this has seen the financial services institution constantly searching for different avenues through which it can make a difference in the lives of many Zimbabweans affected by cancer.

Stanbic Bank is working in liaison with CAZ to renovate the association’s hostel for cancer patients located at Harare Central Hospital. Kamba said the hostel will house 45 cancer patients for free as they receive treatment from Parirenyatwa Hospital.

The donation coincides with the breast cancer awareness month and the institution has pledged to play its part in fighting the cancer epidemic by raising awareness and contributing funds towards the purchase of medication for several cancer patients through CAZ.

Last year Stanbic Bank donated $10 000, which assisted 65 patients and this encouraged the bank to double its contribution this time and help an even higher number of patients.

CAZ treasurer and vice chair Mr, Alistair Don McDonald, paid tribute to Stanbic Bank saying the donation came at the most opportune time when patients were facing difficulty in accessing funds for medication. McDonald said the drugs would go a long way in not only saving lives but also prolonging the lives of some of the patients hard pressed for cash.

CAZ predominantly relies on donations from local organisations, which often falls short of meeting the needs of cancer patients throughout the country particularly in rural areas.

CAZ general manager, Junior Mavu, said cancer was causing havoc in families all over the world and in particular in Zimbabwe. She said the number of cancer patients is rising each year while the fund for drugs was dwindling.