By Kuda Pembere
Visiting Childhood Cancer International president Mr Rodney Wong on Wednesday commended the partnership between the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) and KidzCan noting it will have a great impact on the lives of children in early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
At a time when the apostolic church is most of the time perceived to be against the seeking of medical services, ACCZ and KidzCan last week signed a memorandum of understanding for the sensitization of apostolic sect members on the importance of seeking cancer services for children.
“As a public fund organization, we need to support of compassionate organizations like ACCZ and Zimbabwe Cricket is doing. I am happy to witness the launch of the MOU between ACCZ and KidzCan.
“I’m sure this will develop into a very important collaboration for childhood cancer and their families. This effort will no doubt make the childrens’ journey to recovery better and more importantly increase their chances of survival,” he said.
ACCZ is a body of 600 indigenous apostolic and Zionist churches in the country boasting an estimated membership of 9 million congregants.
ACCZ Manicaland Chairperson Bishop Jonah Mashaba address the media noted that while religious leaders in the apostolic sector have a huge influence over their congregants it was important to quickly send ill members to health facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
“It is common knowledge that Zimbabwe is a Christian country, where Archbishops and Bishops naturally command respect in societies to an extent that when congregants have misfortunes such as health problems before visiting a health centre for medical care, the first port of call is the church’s leader’s shrine.
“Now that all church leaders will soon receive training regarding cancer signs and symptoms, it will be now easy to reduce lapse rate taken before cancer patient availing himself or herself to the nearest health centre,” he said.
KidzCan Executive director Mr Daniel McKenzie said they will capacitate ACCZ’s archbishops and bishops with essential fundraising knowledge and strategies for a comprehensive approach to fight child cancer.
“This partnership signifies a significant step forward in our collective fight against childhood cancer in Zimbabwe. Over the years, the apostolic sects have presented unique challenges for engagement. In this nation, the first port of call when there is sickness in the family is often the church.
“The ACCZ, being a highly respected institution within the community, will play a crucial role in raising awareness about childhood cancer and encouraging early detection and treatment among its members and the public.
