Harare (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe on Thursday launched the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) for 2025-2030 in response to the rising burden of the disease, with over 7 000 new diagnoses recorded annually.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora officially launched the initiative at Chikangwe Stadium in Karoi, Mashonaland West province.
The NCCP is structured around five critical pillars, namely Priority Cancers, Service Delivery, Leadership and Governance, Health Workforce, as well as Healthcare Financing and Infrastructure.
These areas are aimed at improving cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care across Zimbabwe.
Dr Mombeshora highlighted that the plan is a key component of a broader national strategy to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The initiative is supported by international and local partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.
“This year’s World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique,’ underscores the individualized nature of each patient’s cancer journey. Every diagnosis and treatment plan is unique, yet through shared experiences, we foster understanding and unity,” Dr Mombeshora said.
According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, the number of cancer cases has more than doubled between 2009 and 2019, signaling a serious public health crisis.
Women bear the highest burden, with cervical cancer accounting for 40 percent of cases and breast cancer 13 percent, while prostate cancer constitutes 28 percent of cases in men.
Among children, leukemia is the most common, making up 19 percent of pediatric cancer cases, followed by Wilms tumor (13 percent), lymphoma (13 percent), soft tissue tumors (13 percent), and central nervous system cancers (11 percent).
Despite limited resources, the government is ramping up efforts to provide free cancer screening services and increase awareness, particularly in rural communities.
Dr Mombeshora acknowledged the financial and emotional toll cancer takes on families but assured that collaborative efforts with key health organizations are enhancing service delivery.
“The Ministry, along with partners such as The Angel of Hope, Kidzcan, Jointed Hands Welfare Organization, UNICEF, WHO, and the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, has made significant strides in providing free cancer screening, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Junior Mavu, General Manager of the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of NCCP in ensuring access to accurate cancer information and comprehensive care.
She said cancer patients need holistic support psychosocial, emotional, physical, and spiritual to improve their quality of life.
“Our continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health, national and international stakeholders is crucial in reducing Zimbabwe’s cancer burden,” she said.
The NCCP launch marks a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s fight against cancer, with a renewed focus on early detection, improved treatment services, and enhanced support systems for patients.
New Ziana
