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Zimbabwe Advances Integrated Primary Care to Combat Breast and Cervical Cancers
Harare – Zimbabwe is ramping up initiatives to enhance the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of breast and cervical cancers by embedding cancer care within primary health services. This strategy is designed to decentralize essential healthcare, making it more accessible to women across diverse communities and promoting equitable access to high-quality medical support.
The Cancer Burden Among Zimbabwean Women
According to the latest data from Zimbabwe’s National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer represents nearly 41% of all female cancer cases, with breast cancer following at 13%. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive cancer control measures. In response, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is actively strengthening integrated cancer and chronic disease services throughout the healthcare system.
Enhancing Primary Healthcare with Advanced Medical Equipment
In July 2025, WHO donated medical devices valued at US$20,000 to the MoHCC to bolster service delivery at the primary care level. This equipment is versatile, enabling screening not only for cancers but also for other noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are increasingly prevalent in Zimbabwe.
Capacity Building Through Targeted Training Programs
Building on this equipment support, MoHCC and WHO conducted intensive training sessions in August 2025 for healthcare professionals from Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South provinces. These “train-the-trainer” workshops focused on integrating breast and cervical cancer management with mental health and chronic disease care, emphasizing a holistic approach to prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient support.
Esther Ngaru, a reproductive health officer and participant in the training, highlights the importance of awareness: “Many cancers can be prevented. It’s vital we educate all women about this.”
Expanding Knowledge to Frontline Health Workers
A total of 25 health professionals were equipped with skills to deliver integrated care, who are now disseminating this expertise to frontline workers. This cascade training model aims to enhance community-level cancer prevention and treatment services.
Audrey Musorowembudzi, a nurse at Hurungwe Rural Health Centre, shares her optimism: “This training has made our screening processes more effective. I am committed to sharing these insights with my colleagues to ensure no woman is overlooked.”
Community Impact: Voices from Karoi
In Karoi, a town within Mashonaland West, seven primary healthcare nurses and village health workers have already benefited from the training. Angeline Mukusa, a village health worker from Chigumbura Village, plans to leverage her new knowledge to raise cancer awareness locally. “Cancer is a significant issue in my community,” she explains. “I will advocate for early detection and promote HPV vaccination for girls. Early diagnosis makes cancer treatable and can save many lives.”
Dr. Munyaradzi Chidaushe, the district medical officer, notes the positive changes: “This integrated approach is transforming service delivery. Village health workers are now better equipped to identify and refer women with suspected breast or cervical cancer. Prevention remains the cornerstone of protecting our communities.”
Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS) Project
These initiatives are part of the Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS) project, spearheaded by the WHO Regional Office for Africa with support from Roche. The program is active in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, aiming to fortify integrated breast and cervical cancer services within primary healthcare frameworks. Zimbabwe’s well-established cervical cancer program provided a strong foundation for expanding integrated services to include other cancers and chronic illnesses.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Equitable Cancer Care
Dr. Desta Tiruneh, WHO Representative in Zimbabwe, emphasizes the significance of these efforts: “With the dedication of healthcare workers, the leadership of MoHCC, and the backing of WHO and partners, Zimbabwe is making substantial progress toward reducing the impact of breast and cervical cancers. These advancements bring us closer to a future where preventable and treatable cancers no longer claim women’s lives, and where health systems deliver compassionate, equitable care to all communities.”
