Let’s not ignore other killer diseases: Chiwenga
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga (pictured) yesterday said the country should not neglect other killer diseases while concentrating on the COVID-19 pandemic. Chiwenga, who is Health minister, said this while addressing a virtual meeting to commemorate World Cancer Day.
He said while efforts should be made in fighting COVID-19, equal measures were needed to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer.
“While the nation is putting up a spirited fight against COVID-19, citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to be mindful of the threat caused by NCDs like cancers, diabetes,
HIV and Aids, hypertension and other chronic health conditions,” he said. He said diseases like cancer, which is the second leading cause of death after COVID-19, have been given little attention since the advent of the global pandemic that has brought the world to a standstill. “Modification or avoidance of key risk factors can reduce the burden of cancer. Admittedly, more effort is still required to ensure that citizens have access to worldclass cancer care. Citizens must come together to fight this epidemic.”
In a statement to mark World Cancer Day, the PanAfrican Positive Women Living with HIV Coalition-Zimbabwe (PAPWC-ZIM) urged people, especially those living positively with HIV to seek timely cancer screening and treatment.
It said early detection of cancer was most likely to save lives.
“The Pan African Positive Women Living with HIV Coalition-Zimbabwe urges women living with HIV to get screened for cervical cancer annually, as we are more at risk unlike our HIV negative counterparts who can get the service once in three years.”
“Screening not accompanied with treatment and quality care does not change the landscape for marginalised communities. We, hereby, call for a comprehensive cancer package. We raise awareness in our communities everyday, we call for decentralised cancer screening, treatment and care,” the statement read in part.
World Cancer Day is commemorated annually on February 4.