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Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga has commended the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa for raising awareness on cancer and promoting cancer screening programmes resulting in a huge number of women getting screened for cervical cancer in the province.

Speaking during a cancer awareness walk in Bindura, Senator Mavhunga said such awareness campaigns complement Government efforts through the Ministry Health and Child Care to promote early cancer screening and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).

“I wish to commend the tireless effort by the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa in her capacity as the health ambassador, for her various philanthropic efforts in promoting cancer screening programmes,” she said.

“Recently, in her capacity as the vice president of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) she chaired a virtual meeting celebrating the International Day of the girl child 2020 under the theme, ‘why girls’ health matters now more than ever.’

“We rally in solidarity with national and international initiatives to recognise and promote the rights of the girl child and the peculiar challenges they continue to face across the globe.”

Sen Mavhunga denounced child marriages and called on society to give the girl child a chance, listen to them and involve them in social empowerment programmes.

“Let us all fight against retrogressive culture, religious and traditional practices of child marriages and all forms of gender based violence,” she said.

“Government will continue to support and improve the welfare of the girl child in all our areas, urban and rural. We applaud support from various civic partners.”

The First Lady donated reusable sanitary pads that will be distributed to all districts in the province to assist disadvantaged girls.

The walk was from Aerodrome shopping centre to Bindura Municipality complex.