“Cancer is the leading cause of death in Zimbabwe, according to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry. In light of this and the fact that marginalised cancer patients cannot afford treatment, the ECCT will provide treatment costs and education aid for one child per family, in addition to basic nutritional needs,” said Chanakira.
Speaking at the same launch, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Deputy Director for Reproductive Health, Margaret Nyandoro, said it was imperative for the government to set up a cancer levy.
“We hope that government will look into establishing a cancer levy to curtail the costs around treatment and early diagnosis of the disease,” she said, adding that stakeholders had been slow in responding to cancer, a non-communicable disease.
Lands Minister, Herbert Murerwa, who was also present at the launch, said the government should put in place subsidized interventions to enable early diagnosis.
“It is important to diagnose cancer early to avoid it reaching levels were it is difficult to treat,” he said.
Post published in: News