Zimbabwe News Update
herald
16 min read
Blessings Chidakwa-Herald ReporterHealth and Child Care Ambassador, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has called for unity in the fight against childhood cancers, describing affected children as “brave fighters” and urging early screening so that every child has the chance to live, grow, and dream.Childhood cancers have become a growing public health concern, prompting Dr Mnangagwa to launch a nationwide Child Cancer Awareness Programme in Harare yesterday.Mother Zimbabwe led a lively march for cancer awareness from the Mbuya Nehanda Statue to Harare Polytechnic College, with streets alive with the laughter and cheers of thousands of learners from various schools.Children moved in orderly lines, holding colourful banners carrying cancer awareness messages.One of the banners paid tribute to the late 13-year-old Adrian Gurumbadza, who recently succumbed to Wilms’ tumour, a type of cancer common in children.
It read: “In loving memory of Adrian Gurumbadza and other brave little warriors who fought valiantly against cancer.”As children chanted joyfully, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the police band, the atmosphere buzzed with energy a celebration of hope, unity, and the fight against childhood cancer.The event, supported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and Discovery Ambulances, also offered health screenings for learners, including checks for blood pressure, sugar levels, height, and weight, while medical practitioners provided health education.Learners hold high a banner paying tribute to the late 13-year-old Adrian Gurumbadza, who recently succumbed to Wilms’ tumour a type of cancer common in children during the cancer awareness march in Harare yesterday.After the walkathon, the First Lady, Patron of the National Cancer Task Force, addressed multitudes at Harare Polytechnic College, saying children’s health, especially for those affected by cancer, is very close to her heart.“I carry with me the voices, the tears, the courage, and the hopes of many families whose lives have been affected by this scourge.
This issue of cancer has now become a true pandemic,” she said.“The types of cancers affecting our children include leukaemias, lymphomas, cancers of the kidney like Wilms’ tumour, cancers of the eye such as retinoblastoma, brain and nervous system tumours, bone cancers, and others.”Dr Mnangagwa also went down memory lane, narrating the journey of the late Adrian, a boy from Manicaland who succumbed to Wilms’ tumour a few weeks ago, describing him as full of promise, full of life, and full of dreams.“His journey was a reminder of the courage our children show even in the face of great pain. Adrian’s passing affected me deeply because I was able to be with him during his final moments.
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