By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo City Council has joined the world in commemorating the Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a netball tournament that will be held on October 24, 2024 at Mucheke Stadium.
The netball tournament will bring together residents from Masvingo community and the onsite services will include breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, psycho social support and counselling and GBV awareness.
The council partnered with several organizations and stakeholders to make the event a success. The Health Department will offer health expertise and breast cancer screening services, Friendship Bench will offer counselling services on mental health, Netball Association will be facilitating tournament logistics and breast cancer support groups will be providing emotional support for survivors and locals schools who will be participating in the awareness campaign.
Speaking to TellZim News, City Council Director of Health Services, Suzanne Madamombe, said council was inspired to host the awareness campaign due to the challenges faced by breast cancer victims.
“The city council was inspired to host a breast cancer awareness netball tournament due to the trauma incurred and faced by clients with breast cancer in our community. As a responsible and caring local authority, we recognized the need to raise awareness, promote early detection and support those affected by breast cancer.
“Our inspiration also came from the courageous stories of breast cancer survivors and tireless efforts of local healthcare organizations, support groups and advocates. We joined forces with these stakeholders to make a meaningful impact,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said the breast cancer awareness netball tournament aligns with the council’s goals of promoting public health awareness.
“The netball tournament will significantly contribute to the city’s efforts in promoting health awareness and supporting cancer research in the following ways health awareness as it educate participants and spectators about breast cancer risks, symptoms and prevention, provide free breast cancer screenings and consultations and also to encourage healthy lifestyles physical activity and wellness.
“The tournament will also contribute to supporting cancer research through partnering with research institutions to promote cut edging research and support innovative treatments and therapies.
“The tournament will enhance community engagement as it will foster collaboration between health care providers, community organizations and local businesses. It will also engage residents, schools and community groups in health promotion,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said breast cancer awareness is important as it assisted in saving lives and breaking stigma associated with the disease.
“As an individual breast cancer awareness is important to me because early detection save lives, education breaks down stigmas, support networks are crucial, research drives progress and community solidarity inspires hope.
“This event is a testament to our community’s strength and compassion; together we can make a difference,” said Madamombe.
The city council intends to make breast cancer awareness netball tournament an annual event as this will establish a consistent platform for promoting breast cancer awareness, foster ongoing community engagement and support and also provide a fundraising opportunity for breast cancer research and support services.
