Government has called for a multi-sectorial approach in the fight against cancer as the disease has become a public health challenge.
By Hamu Madzedze
Addressing stakeholders at a media conference on early detection and awareness of childhood cancer in Zimbabwe, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Gibson Mhlanga said time has come for everyone to address cancer related challenges through raising awareness on prevention and control.
“If there has been a more appropriate time to take action against cancer,now is the time ” said Dr Mhlanga.
He also urged government and industry to create an enabling environment for citizens so that they can adopt a healthy lifestyle which includes healthy eating and physical activities.
“Industries should reduce trans-fatty acids, oils and salts in manufacturing foods as this is key reducing the cancer burden” he said.
He also said the private sector should support early detection of cancer through establishing fitness programmes at workplaces.
Meanwhile Kidzcan, a non-governmental organisation that assist children diagnosed with cancer said it is committed to pushing the agenda of the Union for the International Cancer Control 2015-2025 which calls for the reduction of the global cancer burden.
The organisation’s Executive Director Doctor, Ntombi Muchuchuti said Kidzcan is committed to assisting children diagnosed with cancer .
“It is possible to save the lives of 50-60% of children with cancer using simpler and inexpensive drugs and procedures that have been known to doctors for decades” said Doctor Muchuchuti.
Cancer currently contributes to more deaths than HIV, malaria and Tuberculosis and it is estimated that cancer cases will double over the next 20 to 40 years.
