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By Ross Moyo
KidzCan Zimbabwe is the only foundation supporting childhood cancer in Zimbabwe through an MOU with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Executive Director Daniel McKenzie said. The organisation supports children aged 0-18, mainly in government referral hospitals: Parirenyatwa, Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital, Sally Mugabe Hospital, and Mpilo Hospital.
The main treatment centre is the A4 Special Awards at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
“As an NGO, we are here to raise awareness on childhood cancer. Childhood cancers are more treatable in children than adults. If detected early, no child should die of cancer,” McKenzie said.
He identified a critical gap in the referral chain. “Within our clinics, childhood cancer has not been in the curriculum. Nurses are unsure of signs and symptoms, so there are delays between parents, nurses, and Parirenyatwa Hospital,” he explained.
To close that gap, KidzCan runs a national nurse training campaign with the Ministry of Health and city municipalities. The first campaign in 2019 covered 47 clinics and 4 hospitals in Harare and Chitungwiza. Similar work followed in Bulawayo’s 23 clinics, Gweru, Sadza, Chivhu, and last month in Nyanga, Manicaland.
Next week the team moves to Makonde district, Mash West. “We train 4 nurses per clinic and home-based care workers on the 3 most common cancers in Zimbabwe: leukemia, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumour,” McKenzie said.
Beyond awareness, KidzCan supports children referred free of charge. “Treatment takes at least 3 months of protocols. We provide mission packs, diagnostics, and medications because cancer is expensive,” he said.
The foundation also now provides housing through Rainbow Children’s Village, built with Round Table Zimbabwe and Meikles Foundation. “Each patient and caregiver gets their own room. It’s a home away from home, open to anyone referred by Parirenyatwa social workers and doctors,” McKenzie said.
KidzCan is part of WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Zimbabwe is the fourth focus country targeting improved survival rates. “Our message is simple: if you suspect something, refer the child to a clinic. Early detection saves lives,” he concluded.
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