Zimbabwe rolls out second phase of Hope for Lungs project

From left, Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Maphios Siyamuchembu, Harare provincial medical director Dr Innocent Hove, Acting director non-communicable disease department Dr Justice Mudavanhu, Bristol Myers Squibb foundation senior Director Ms Cristabel Semondile and World Health Organisation country represantative Dr Desta Tiruneh follow proceedings at the launch of the second phase of the Hope of Lungs Project, where the national guidelines for Lung cancer and adult oncology were also set out. Pic by Tawanda Bote

Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe, Dr Rosemary Kalapurakal speaks while Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe looks on during the signing ceremony

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke

Senior Health Reporter

ZIMBABWE has begun rolling out the second phase of the Hope for Lungs project, which seeks to improve the early detection of lung cancer by integrating screening into existing tuberculosis (TB) services in eight high-risk districts.

The programme will target communities affected by mining activities, industrial pollution, tobacco smoking and other environmental risk factors associated with lung disease.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen referral systems, support patient navigation, train healthcare workers to improve early diagnosis and enhance pathology and radiology services.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care in partnership with the Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation (JHWO) and other partners, has also developed national guidelines for adult oncology and lung cancer management, which are expected to be officially launched at a later date.

The guidelines will support standardised diagnosis, referral and management of lung cancer as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its cancer care services.