Kidzcan received the award at Kensington Palace in London last Saturday at an event graced by the former United States President Bill Clinton.
The Stars Impact Awards recognise and reward effective, well-managed local organisations working to improve child health, education, protection and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in countries with the highest rates of under-five mortality.
“As part of the prize package, Kidzcan received $50 000 dollars of unrestricted funding, $10 000 dollars in tailored consultancy and a package of media support,” said Kidzcan in a statement.
The families Kidzcan works with cannot afford the treatment their children need and the charity provides a lifeline for children who otherwise have very little hope of survival.
The organisation’s activities increase early detection of childhood cancer and improve effective treatment for children with cancer by sourcing, purchasing and donating chemotherapy and associated medications.
Kidzcan funds laboratory testing and scans, much-needed blood transfusions and transport for families. Voluntary members of the organisation play and spend time with children in treatment wards, while parents are provided with support meetings.
According to Kidzcan, the high rate of poverty in Zimbabwe leaves the future of children with cancer bleak. Cancer frequently goes undiagnosed as it is often difficult to recognise from its early signs and symptoms in children.
Kidzcan works with the only children’s cancer unit in Zimbabwe and provides support to any child who has been diagnosed with, or is suspected of, having cancer.
In 2013 Kidzcan provided direct patient support to over 400 children, 300 of whom were newly diagnosed.
Post published in: News