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Ropafadzo Ndangariro and Sibongile Maruta
KidzCan, an organisation that strives to improve the survival rate of children living with cancer, yesterday launched Orange Week, a campaign to raise awareness on child cancer.

The event was attended by representatives from Government and the private sector, including voluntary organisations. In a speech read on his behalf by an official from his office, Dr Justice Mudavanhu, at the launch in Harare yesterday, Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Gerald Gwinji said Government has made cancer treatment a priority. There is need, he said, to raise awareness on cancer in children.

“The ministry would like to acknowledge what KidzCan are doing and other organisations to help save lives of children,” said Dr Gwinji.

“As a ministry, we have made cancer a priority and we want to increase cancer awareness in children, so cancer awareness is a concern to everyone,’’ he said. Speaking at the same event, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Harry Thomas Junior applauded the organisation for its efforts.

“I am honoured to be here at KidzCan to participate in the Orange Week launch programme. KidzCan is doing a great job in supporting children with cancer,” said Ambassador Thomas.

“We have lost lives before and we want to do more to help. I am pleased our government is willing to help,” he said. He urged Zimbabweans to join hands in raising awareness and fighting the disease.

“I believe we can all play a role on cancer awareness. Let’s all take a step back and provide whatever we can to save a life.”