By Patience Gondo
The National Aids Council (NAC) has pledged US$109,000 towards strengthening childhood cancer services in 2025, a move expected to ease long standing gaps in diagnostics, transport support and treatment access for young patients.
Announcing the support in Harare, KidzCan Zimbabwe executive director Mr Daniel McKenzie said the funding would directly improve children’s access to lifesaving services, including specialised tests, counselling, food assistance and welfare support.
“This support is life giving. It keeps treatment pathways open for our children,” he said.
KidzCan assists around 700 children each year, but the actual number of cancer cases is believed to be higher due to underdiagnosis and late presentation.
Mr McKenzie said children living with HIV face a heightened risk of developing cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi sarcoma, making integration between cancer care and the national HIV programme essential.
Zimbabwe’s well-established HIV infrastructure laboratories, trained health workers and community networks could be used to strengthen early childhood cancer detection if leveraged effectively, he noted.
Zimbabwe is already a focus country under the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, and the Ministry of Health has applied to join the St Jude WHO medicines access platform.
Mr McKenzie said the ministry should convene a national planning meeting and appoint a Childhood Cancer Focal Person to guide these efforts.
He also appealed for NAC to extend its assistance into 2026.
NAC, established through the National AIDS Council Act, coordinates and funds Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS response using resources such as the AIDS Levy.
Over the years, the council has expanded its support to health services linked to HIV vulnerability, including laboratory upgrades and specialised hospital units.
Mr McKenzie said ongoing cooperation between Government, NAC and partners will ensure more children receive timely care.
“These children cannot speak for themselves. It is our responsibility to act for them,” he said.