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The equipment, which includes linear accelerators and treatment simulators, cost US$89 million.
Linear accelerator radiation equipment is used for treating certain malignant as well as non-malignant conditions by directing high-energy radiation to the exact location of the cancer.
It also offers a broad range of imaging and treatment options.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the leading threats to global economic growth and development as they have staggering socio-economic effects.
Health and Child Welfare principal director for curative services Dr Christopher Tapfumaneyi said patients would receive specialised cancer treatment with the introduction of modern equipment.
“There have been cases where cancers have been identified at an advanced stage, but with this most current radiation treatment technology early detection is guaranteed,” he said.
“Government in recent years has advocated for early detection and there are increased efforts to lower the cancer burden that is on the increase,” he said.
Dr Tapfumaneyi added that two linear accelerators and two treatment simulators would be distributed to Mpilo (Bulawayo) and Parirenyatwa hospitals in Harare.
Meanwhile, a new World Health Organisation (WHO) study reveals that low income countries could introduce a core set of strategies to prevent and treat cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease for just US$1,20 per person per year.
Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, killing ever more people each year with close to 80 percent of the deaths occurring in low and middle income countries.
The WHO study is set out to assist low and middle-income countries identify low-cost interventions that can turn the tide on NCDs and reduce their economic burden. – New Ziana.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter