Zimbabwe Launches National Cancer Control Plan

By Hamu Madzedze recently in Karoi

Online Health Editor -Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has launched the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) for 2025-2030 aimed at addressing the cancer burden. Launching the National Cancer Control Plan during the World Cancer Day Commemorations held in Karoi yesterday, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, said the NCCP is a comprehensive plan and a roadmap for action, grounded in evidence-based interventions and structured around five critical pillars.

"The NCCP is a part of a broader strategy to strengthen our health system and improve services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country," Dr. Mombeshora added.

He further stated that the launch of the NCCP, together with several other pivotal documents, will further enhance their capacity to combat cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases.

"In addition to the NCCP, today marks the launch of several other pivotal documents and projects that will further enhance our capacity to combat cancer and NCDs, which include the Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease (PEN) and Pen Plus Programmes, Adult Cancer Treatment Guidelines, and Pediatric Cancer Treatment Guidelines, the Zimbabwe Non-communicable Disease and Injury Poverty Commission Report, the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry Report 2022, Hope for Lung Project, and Women Integrated Cancer Services Project," added Dr. Mombeshora.

The health minister applauded partners and private players who continue to support and assist the Ministry of Health and Child Care in providing services for cancer prevention, treatment, and care in the country. "Hats-off to our front runners who include oncologists and all medical practitioners involved in this fight," he pointed out.

Dr Mombeshora urged them to continue with the good work in improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans.

He also pointed out that cancer requires a multisectorial approach, and therefore it is everyone's responsibility to commit themselves to support and care for those burdened by cancer.

"Together we can create a future where cancer will no longer be a source of fear and despair but a challenge that we will be equipped to overcome," pointed out Dr Mombeshora.

He added that while the Ministry and other key health development partners remain resolute in the fight against cancer, people are reminded of the chilling fact that many more mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters fight bravely with limited resources against the disease.

"It is for them and for future generations that we must further strengthen our resolve in the fight against cancer," Dr. Mombeshora said.

Meanwhile, the National AIDS Council (NAC) Chief Executive, Dr Bernard Madzima, said NAC is committed to the fight against cancer and has already integrated, implemented strategies, and invested resources that work to combat and mitigate against both HIV and cancer, as these two are related and of public health concerns in Zimbabwe.

"High on the NAC agenda is the incorporation of cancer prevention and control activities in its planning, in line with the national policies, guidelines, and strategies on cancer control and prevention," said Dr. Madzima. Dr. Madzima added that NAC will continue to assist in the decentralization of treatment and prevention services of HIV-related cancers.

"With the district-based programming in the NAC, the organization also works with MOHCC and other partners to roll out community mobilization and cancer screening programs in the different districts," Dr. Madzima said.

The Chief Executive reiterated NAC's commitment to continuously support the Ministry of Health and Child Care and continue to work with the MOHCC and multiple stakeholders to ensure that, as a country, positive results are yielded in the fight against cancer.

This year's World Cancer Day commemorations were held under the theme "United by Unique".