By Phillip Hondokosa
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, marked globally by the gold ribbon – a symbol of courage, resilience, and the fight against childhood cancer. In Zimbabwe, it is more than a symbol: it is a call to action. Childhood cancer is real, and while it cannot always be prevented, it is treatable when detected early. For our nation, where children embody the promise of tomorrow, awareness and timely action can mean the difference between life and loss.
One of the greatest challenges we face is the stark reality that many people don’t accept or appreciate that children can get cancer. This lack of awareness often leads to late presentation at health facilities, and then late detection and treatment. Yet, we emphatically say: early detection is the best protection. The earlier the signs are recognized, the higher the chance of survival.
The three most common childhood cancers in Zimbabwe are leukaemia, nephroblastoma (a type of kidney cancer), and retinoblastoma (an eye cancer). Each of these has a far better chance of successful treatment when identified early. Parents, teachers, community leaders, traditional and faith healers, and healthcare providers all have a role in recognizing symptoms and ensuring children are referred promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Unexplained fevers, persistent pain, weight loss, or unusual swellings should never be ignored. Even if out of 100 children only one turns out to have cancer, that one child means 100% to their family. Think of it this way: it is far easier to uproot a small tree than a huge, entrenched one. Before cancer overwhelms a child’s little body, let’s detect it early and treat with hope and determination.
From the first visit to the local clinic, children suspected of having cancer are referred step by step within the public health system – with Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare standing as the national centre of excellence for childhood cancer treatment. This system works best when communities act quickly and confidently, bringing sick children forward without hesitation.
KidzCan Zimbabwe is proud to complement government efforts within this health delivery system, providing holistic support that is 100% free of charge to children aged 0–18. With the help of valued partnerships, KidzCan provides:
- Bus fares so families do not abandon treatment due to transport hurdles.
- Chemotherapy drugs and diagnostic scans essential for accurate treatment.
- Housing through the Rainbow Children’s Village for families traveling from across the country.
- Nutrition packs, because proper nutrition is central to treatment.
- Psychosocial support to help children and families cope with the emotional toll of cancer.
- Awareness and advocacy, ensuring information reaches communities nationwide.
- Bereavement support, walking with families through the unimaginable loss of a child.
We are also mindful of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and religious fabric. Instead of seeing this as a barrier, we view it as an opportunity for collaborative engagement. That is why we partner with respected religious bodies like the Apostolic Council of Churches od Zimbabwe, and traditional associations, dialoguing with opinion leaders so that the message about childhood cancer cascades far and wide.
Zimbabwe is also proud to be part of the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which seeks to raise global survival rates for children with cancer to at least 60% by 2030. This global framework provides momentum and resources to strengthen early diagnosis, timely treatment, and equitable access to care – ensuring that no child is left behind because of where they live or their family’s circumstances.
This September, the call is clear: know the signs, act early, save lives. Childhood cancer is treatable, especially when detected early, but success requires a united effort. Collaboration across government, healthcare, communities, schools, traditional and faith leaders, and civil society is key.
Together, Zimbabwe can rise to the challenge. By spreading awareness, acting early, and surrounding families with holistic support, we can give every child battling cancer the greatest gift – hope, healing, and the chance to live their dreams.
Early detection is protection – together we save lives.
