Bulawayo — Acting President Kembo Mohadi has lauded the significant role of public-private partnerships in Zimbabwe’s battle against cancer, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital for improving patient care and enhancing treatment outcomes across the country.
The Acting President spoke at a ceremony held yesterday at Mpilo Central Hospital, where 20 chemotherapy chairs were officially handed over to the hospital by Cancerserve, an organisation founded by Zimbabwean oncologist Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau. The donation was made possible through partnerships with various stakeholders, including St John’s College and the Maguires Family, who mobilized funds during the St John’s Pink Day event on 19 July. Ten of the chairs were allocated to Mpilo, while the remaining ten are earmarked for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Acting President Mohadi described the handover as a shining example of collective action in healthcare. He highlighted that chemotherapy sessions, which can last up to five hours, require comfortable seating to provide patients with both physical ease and emotional dignity during treatment.
“These chairs, which will directly benefit cancer patients across our nation, are the result of a remarkable partnership and spirit of generosity. Through the combined efforts of Cancerserve, St John’s College, and the Maguires Family, we have seen how united action can lead to tangible improvements in healthcare delivery,” he said.
He also revealed plans to expand support for cancer patients further, pledging alongside Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora to donate an additional 20 chairs each to Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals in the near future.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration Brings Hope to Cancer Patients
“This handover is not just a donation; it is a symbol of hope. It highlights the critical need for continued collaboration between the Government, private institutions, and civil society in addressing our healthcare challenges,” the Acting President noted.
Acting President Mohadi singled out Dr Nyakabau for her unwavering dedication to improving cancer care in Zimbabwe.
“Dr Nyakabau, your vision and tireless advocacy have inspired many and brought stakeholders together for a cause that impacts countless lives. Fighting cancer is not the responsibility of one institution alone; it requires a unified, national effort,” he said.
He further stressed that such partnerships strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure while keeping patients at the forefront of service delivery.
“When the Government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society work hand in hand, we can achieve meaningful progress in healthcare. These chemotherapy chairs will not only enhance comfort but also improve service delivery and ensure a more dignified treatment experience for patients,” he added.
Dr Nyakabau, speaking at the event, described the donation as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream. She explained that Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals also function as approved research centres for integrating palliative care into oncology, providing holistic support that improves patients’ overall quality of life.
“This milestone is a testament to faith, perseverance, and collective resolve. From the beginning, our vision was simple yet profound: to make the fight against cancer less painful and to restore dignity and comfort to patients during their most challenging moments. Guided by policies such as the recently launched Cancer Control Plan, we are steadily turning this vision into reality,” she said.
The chemotherapy chairs were sourced locally from MEDBEE (Pvt) Ltd, a Bulawayo-based supplier, showcasing how local businesses can play a critical role in supporting healthcare initiatives.
Minister Mombeshora also outlined additional government efforts to bolster cancer care, including the recruitment of specialists, such as radiotherapists and nuclear physicists, and the acquisition of new cancer treatment machines expected to arrive before the end of the year.
“We are committed to expanding and modernizing cancer treatment services, ensuring that patients across Zimbabwe have access to quality care. These initiatives, combined with private sector support, will make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling cancer,” Minister Mombeshora said.
The collaborative effort underscores the importance of bringing together government resources, private sector contributions, and civil society initiatives to tackle complex healthcare challenges. For patients enduring long and often exhausting chemotherapy sessions, the new chairs represent more than furniture; they are a symbol of comfort, dignity, and renewed hope in the fight against cancer.
Source- ZimEye
