by Tendai Matunhu
The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has revealed that the health and well-being of citizens remains a priority to Government.
Whilst addressing delegates at the World Cancer Day Commemorations 2020 in Harare today, the First Lady said, “Health of all citizens remains high on the agenda of the Government of Zimbabwe. In line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda and indeed our own Universal Health Coverage drive, we endeavour to promote the health and well-being of all people in Zimbabwe.
“In the spirit of leaving no one behind, the Government through Ministry of Health and Child Care has institutionalized several policy measures and interventions for the prevention and control of cancer,” she said.
She also said as the Health Ambassador, she was going to continue on the path of advocating for early cervical cancer screening and treatment to women across the country.
“I stand before you here as the health Ambassador and at this juncture allow me to inform you that I will continue to advocate for early cervical cancer screening and treatment to women in all parts of Zimbabwe through the Ministry’s Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervicography (VIAC) programme.
“Through the Foundation, Angel of Hope, I will also continue to fight for children, the elderly and the poor against cancer for early detection, effective and comprehensive treatment in the nation. We call upon all our women and all citizens to seek and utilize these services for effective cancer control in the country,” she said.
Speaking at the same event on behalf of Minister of Health and Child Care, Obadiah Moyo; Chief Director of Curative Services, Dr Sydney Makarawu reiterated the First lady’s words and said efforts to address cancer should start with everyone because cancer is a growing burden in the country.
Dr Makarawu highlighted the challenges facing the health sector on cancer treatment as there are just two cancer treatment centres in Zimbabwe (Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hospital) to which the First lady said she would engage Government on the issue.
