Bulawayo — Acting President Kembo Mohadi has commended the role of public-private partnerships in Zimbabwe’s fight against cancer, highlighting their critical contribution to improving patient care and treatment outcomes nationwide.
The Acting President made the remarks yesterday during a ceremony at Mpilo Central Hospital, where 20 chemotherapy chairs were officially handed over to the hospital by Cancerserve, a local organisation founded by oncologist Dr Anna Mary Nyakabau. The donation was coordinated in collaboration with other partners, including St John’s College and the Maguires Family, who raised funds during the St John’s Pink Day event on 19 July. Half of the chairs were allocated to Mpilo, while the remaining ten are slated for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Speaking at the event, Acting President Mohadi described the donation as a testament to the power of collaboration. He emphasised that comfortable seating during chemotherapy sessions, which can last up to five hours, is essential for restoring dignity and comfort to patients undergoing 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 collective action can bring tangible improvements to healthcare delivery,” he said.
The Acting President also highlighted plans for further support, pledging, alongside Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, to donate an additional 20 chairs to both Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals in the near future.
Government and Private Sector Unite to Enhance Cancer Care in Zimbabwe
“This handover is not just a donation; it is a symbol of hope. It underscores the importance of continued collaboration between Government, private institutions, and civil society in addressing our healthcare challenges,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi paid special tribute to Dr Nyakabau for her tireless dedication to improving cancer care in Zimbabwe.
“Dr Nyakabau, your vision and relentless advocacy have inspired many, bringing stakeholders together for a cause that touches countless lives. The fight against cancer is not the responsibility of a single institution — it requires a unified national effort,” he said.
The Acting President further noted that partnerships such as these can strengthen the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure that patients remain at the centre of care.
“When Government, the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society work together, we can make meaningful strides in healthcare. These chemotherapy chairs will enhance patient comfort, improve service delivery, and provide a more dignified treatment experience,” he added.
Dr Nyakabau described the donation as the realisation of a long-held dream. She emphasised that Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals also serve as approved research centres for integrating palliative care into oncology, offering holistic support that improves patients’ quality of life.
“This milestone is a testament to faith, perseverance, and collective resolve. Our vision from the outset was simple yet profound: to make the fight against cancer a little less painful and restore dignity to patients during their most challenging moments. Guided by policies such as the recently launched Cancer Control Plan, we are steadily turning that vision into reality,” she said.
The chemotherapy chairs were procured locally from MEDBEE (Pvt) Ltd, a Bulawayo-based supplier, demonstrating that local businesses can play a critical role in healthcare support.
Minister Mombeshora also outlined additional government initiatives aimed at strengthening cancer care in Zimbabwe. These include 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 modernising cancer treatment services, ensuring that patients across the country have access to high-quality care. These initiatives, coupled with support from the private sector, will make a tangible difference in the lives of Zimbabweans battling cancer,” Minister Mombeshora said.
The collaborative effort highlights the importance of uniting government resources, private sector contributions, and civil society initiatives to tackle complex healthcare challenges. For patients undergoing long, often grueling chemotherapy sessions, the new chairs are more than just furniture — they represent comfort, dignity, and a renewed sense of hope during their fight against cancer.
Source- ZimEye
