By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Delta Corporation recently donated US$10 000 to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) for prisons in Masvingo Province to conduct breast, cervical and prostate cancer education as well as screening to inmates.
Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with delayed diagnosis often resulting in poor health outcomes.
In a press statement, Delta Corporation indicated that inmates faced challenges in accessing medication and said the partnership was going to benefit inmates in Masvingo Province
“Incarcerated individuals face unique challenges in accessing timely and equitable health care services, including cancer screening.
“To address the disparity, CAZ in partnership with Delta Corporation offered breast, cervix and prostate cancer education and screening services to inmates and prisoners at the following prisons, Masvingo Remand, Mutimurefu, Gutu, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi, Chikombedzi, Mwenezi and Chivi prisons/satellites with support from Delta Corporation,” part of the statement reads.
The campaign was meant to empower inmates with information around cancer and more than 200 were screened.
“The campaign started with breast, cervix, and prostate cancer education sessions in a bid to empower the participants with information on prevention and early detection to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancers.
“Breast education equipped the participants with skills on how to conduct a self-breast examination and what to look out for. A total number of 282 women and men were screened,” reads the statement.
Delta Corporation Limited General Manager Corporate Affairs Patricia Murambinda said the grant from Delta enabled them to empower communities to combat cancer through education, screening and evidence based interventions which improved lives of patients.
“This project has enabled us to take a step towards empowering communities to fight against cancer, which is a major public health concern.
“The provision of education and screening will assist in cancer prevention and improving the quality of life of cancer patients, their families and communities through timeous, sustainable and evidence-based interventions and this has been made possible through a generous grant from Delta,” said Murambinda.
