Hope for Women: Cancer Fight Boosted

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

In a significant boost to the fight against gynecological cancers, First Capital Bank and Cancerserve Zimbabwe have donated essential cancer drugs worth USD 5,000 to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. The donation, made in commemoration of International Women’s Day, underscores the critical need for accessible healthcare for women battling cervical and other gynecological cancers.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Group Chief Medical Officer of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing donation, emphasizing the urgent need to close gaps in cancer care.

“This donation is more than just medicine; it is a lifeline for women who face delayed diagnoses due to financial constraints. By addressing gaps in gynecological oncology care, we are protecting not just individual women, but families, communities, and future generations,” she said.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in Zimbabwe, with many cases going undetected due to stigma, lack of awareness, and financial barriers. The support from First Capital Bank and Cancerserve Zimbabwe aims to alleviate some of these challenges by providing much-needed treatment to affected patients.

First Capital Bank CEO, Tapera Mushoriwa, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women’s health as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“We believe that investing in women’s health is a cornerstone of national development. No woman should have to choose between feeding her family and fighting for her life. This donation is part of our broader commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all,” said Mushoriwa.

Dr. Nyakabau, founder of Cancerserve Trust, also highlighted the importance of partnerships in combating cancer.

“The fight against cancer cannot be won in isolation. We need more collaborations that blend corporate innovation, philanthropic passion, and clinical expertise. Through donations like these, we move closer to a future where no woman has to fight alone,” she said.

The event also acknowledged the efforts of Mrs. Elizabeth Gaviga, a Cancerserve board member who played a key role in securing the donation. She has been instrumental in championing cancer awareness initiatives since 2018, including the Annual Soccer Tournament aimed at fundraising for cancer care.

As the ceremony concluded, speakers echoed a shared vision for Universal Health Coverage, where women from all socio-economic backgrounds receive the care they deserve.

“This partnership marks the beginning of a long-standing commitment to women’s health. Let us continue walking this path together,” said the Chief Medical Officer, closing the event with a call for sustained efforts in cancer treatment and awareness.

“The fight against cancer requires all of us to play a part. First Capital Bank has taken an important step in ensuring that more patients receive the treatment they need. We hope this initiative inspires other organizations to join in and make a difference.

"The donation is in sync with the UICC World Cancer Day 2025-27 theme, ‘United by Unique,’ embracing everyone, placing people at the centre of care, and their stories at the heart of the conversation,” said Dr. Nyakabau.

The donation from First Capital Bank and Cancerserve Zimbabwe is expected to make a lasting impact in improving access to cancer treatment and strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare system in the fight against gynaecological cancers.

The donation includes 110 vials of Paclitaxel and 10 doses of 10.8mg Zoladex, crucial drugs for treating ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer. These medications are expected to benefit up to 120 patients, depending on individual treatment requirements.