By Anyway Yotamu
In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 a non-governmental organization Kidz Can, donated an assortment of goods and equipment worth US$10,000 to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals to assist children with cancer.
Speaking to this publication at the handover ceremony Mr Daniel Mckenzie who’s the KidzCan Executive Director said the donation was meant to help children with cancer and the staff from Parirenyatwa COVID-19 infections centre to fight the spread of the deadly virus.
“September is the month that’s why we try to raise awareness on cancer among children. It is the time that we say to the world and communities that despite the fact that COVID 19 is here, cancer does not wait or go away, it will always be here. And these children will need more assistance now because of their immune system. That is why we are making this donation today, to shield them from COVID-19. That is why we are making sure that their ward is sanitized,” he said.
Mr Mackenzie also added that going forward, there is a need to work together by providing sanitizers and PPEs to the children who are in need and the health personnel to prevent the infections in the hospitals.
“There is need to raise more awareness on cancer and if detected early, children can survive the disease.
“If the disease is detected earlier, their bodies can accept and tolerate chemotherapy. No child should die of cancer. They can all survive. The challenge we have is that our children seek assistance when the cancer is at an advanced stage.”
Speaking on the same occasion Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Public Relations Officer, Mr. Linos Dhire thanked KidzCan for the gesture to the Hospital.
“We would like to thank KidzCan for the donation that they made to the hospital particularly in our pediatric oncology ward where children with cancer are housed. That’s where we have vulnerable children who are affected by cancer. We would also want to thank every stakeholder who has been donating.”
The donation by Kidz Can comprise Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for nurses who work in the ward, food items, automated hand sanitizer, soap dispensers, and toiletries. The organization is going to donate the same at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.