Zimbabwe’s campaign to eliminate cervical cancer has received a major boost after the World Health Organisation (WHO) handed over cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment equipment worth more than US$350 000, strengthening the country’s capacity to detect and treat one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
The donation, made under the Women Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) Project, also included cholera response supplies such as emergency tents and other essential materials to improve Zimbabwe’s preparedness for disease outbreaks.
The cancer package comprises ultrasound machines, biopsy equipment, laboratory equipment and specimen collection supplies, providing health institutions with a comprehensive set of tools for cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The equipment was officially handed over to Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora by WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, who is in Zimbabwe to attend the Joint SADC Ministers of Finance and Health Meeting in Harare.
Dr Janabi said the donation was informed by Zimbabwe’s own health priorities, with cervical cancer identified as one of the country’s biggest health challenges.
“The countries tell us their priorities and your Ministry presented that one of the challenges facing Zimbabwe, as with many developing countries in Africa, is cervical cancer. We listened to that and aligned our support accordingly,” he said.
“This is a complete package, from ultrasound machines and biopsy equipment to laboratory equipment, all designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s fight against cervical cancer.”
Cervical cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in Zimbabwe and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
According to the National Cancer Registry, the disease accounts for nearly one-third of all cancers diagnosed among women, with more than 3 000 new cases and over 2 000 deaths recorded every year.
Dr Janabi said early screening and diagnosis remain critical in reducing deaths.
“No one is supposed to die of cervical cancer in the 21st century. When women come early for screening, this is one of the cancers that can be prevented and successfully treated,” he said.
He urged women to utilise available screening services and called for continued investment in maintaining the equipment and training health workers.
Dr Janabi added that the donation would support Government efforts to decentralise cancer services by taking screening, diagnosis and treatment closer to communities, particularly in rural areas.
“If we detect cancer early, we avoid situations where patients only reach tertiary hospitals when only palliative care can be offered instead of curative treatment,” he said.
Receiving the equipment, Dr Mombeshora described the donation as a significant milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s national cancer programme.
He said the ultrasound machines would be deployed to rural districts to improve access to essential diagnostic services.
“We also have ultrasound machines which are going to be employed in our rural districts so that we take services nearer to the people and make sure they are accessible,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said the donation complements ongoing Government initiatives and the national cervical cancer elimination campaign spearheaded by First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
He commended WHO for its continued support to Zimbabwe during major public health emergencies, including the Covid-19 pandemic and cholera outbreaks, while also strengthening disease surveillance, primary healthcare and health systems resilience.
“The equipment and supplies being handed over today represent a strategic investment in the health and well-being of Zimbabwean women. They will strengthen our capacity for screening, early diagnosis and treatment while bringing essential services closer to the communities that need them most,” he said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy, National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the country’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, and the WHO Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.
Dr Mombeshora added that the cholera response supplies received alongside the cancer equipment would further enhance Zimbabwe’s ability to respond swiftly to disease outbreaks.
While highlighting significant progress in life expectancy, immunisation, HIV control and health system strengthening, the Minister acknowledged that Zimbabwe continues to face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
