KidzCan Donates in cancer awareness

KidzCan Zimbabwe in partnership with Delta Corporation has brought smiles to children through donations of an assortment of goods sponsored to the tune of ZWD1.1 million to 10 schools in Harare and beyond, in a Water Project to mitigate against the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns as the humanitarian organisation carries out cancer awareness campaigns.

The goods include water tanks and stands, taps, connections, cement, quarry stones and sand, these are meant to allow pupils to wash hands and observe other hygienic demands of COVI-19.

Delta Corporation in its corporate responsibility is the sponsor of the programme.

The Water Project, which began last August, is part of a cancer awareness programme where various posters, fliers and lectures are delivered to ensure pupils and teachers, even parents are enlightened on the various cancers affecting children.

As part of leaving no one behind KidzCan Zimbabwe has embarked on the campaign trail to stem out cancer in the early stages as timely detection is of critical importance in cancer treatment.

The common cancer diseases among children are eye cancer (retinoblastoma), kidney cancer (Wilm’s Tumor), blood cancer (Leukemia), lymph node cancer (Lymphomas), bone cancer, cancer of the brain (brain tumour), and neuroblastoma.

The project has seen Chirodzo in Mbare and Glenview 1 Primary Schools receiving a 5m stand and 2 tanks and tank, pipe connections and 3 water taps respectively.

Nyabira, Chogugudza in Domboshawa and St Peters Clava Chishawasha, Primary Schools have all received 3m tanks each.

Chogugudza and Nyabira are awaiting official handover while installation is in progress at St Peters Clava.

Zuwkandaba in Entumbane and Maphisha Primary schools in Bulawayo will also receive tanks and stands while Hwange, Dete and Binga Primary Schools will also get their consignment in the ongoing project.

Statistics show that 67 children died of cancer in Zimbabwe last year.

In developing countries, which include Zimbabwe 8 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer die compared to 2 out of 10 in the developed countries.

This calls for children-specific cancer awareness programmes, the strengthening of diagnostic and treatment facilities and ensuring they have access to essential medicines.