Walter Nyamukondiwa in NYABIRA
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Women’s Association has stepped up efforts to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer through an awareness campaign at Inkomo Barracks in Nyabira.
The campaign, which brought together military personnel, their families and surrounding communities, featured a march involving members of the Parachute, Mounted and Mechanised regiments of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage regular screening and promote early diagnosis as part of broader efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of military families and communities.
Wives of senior military officers, including Mrs Jessica Tapfumaneyi, wife of ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, and guest of honour Mrs Catherine Kudumba, wife of Chief of Staff General Staff Major-General Josphat Kudumba, are leading the campaign.
Mrs Kudumba is expected to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of collective action in confronting the disease.
Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among Zimbabwean women after cervical cancer, with estimates indicating about 2 483 new cases and more than 1 200 deaths annually.
Although the risk increases with age, health experts have raised concern over a growing number of cases among younger women, including those in their 20s and 30s.
Late presentation remains one of the major obstacles to effective treatment, as many women seek medical attention when the disease has already advanced, limiting available treatment options and chances of survival.
Health authorities have consistently urged women to prioritise clinical screening and diagnosis rather than relying on traditional remedies or spiritual interventions as substitutes for medical treatment.
The ZDF Women’s Association, led by chairperson Sithandelile Matatu, has been conducting awareness and wellness campaigns across military installations, barracks and surrounding communities.
The campaigns underscore the link between public health and national security, with the association emphasising that good health is a bedrock of national security.
Beyond raising awareness, the initiative seeks to encourage service members and their families to take responsibility for their health through regular medical checks, early reporting of unusual changes and timely access to treatment.
Early detection remains critical in improving treatment outcomes, making community education and access to screening essential in the fight against breast cancer.
