HARARE, Apr. 22 (NewsDay Live) – Over 250 women turned up for a free cervical and breast cancer screening outreach programme in Highfield over the past two days, as public awareness of the leading killer disease continues to grow.
The initiative, backed by local institutions and health organisations, met expectations as residents from surrounding suburbs responded to the call.
Highview Clinic and Maternity resident medical doctor, Dr Rejoice Kututwa, said the response had surpassed their target.
“We had a target of 100 patients yesterday and managed to attend to 110 ladies.
“In total, we are expecting to attend to around 250 women over the two days, though from the numbers we are getting now, we expect to exceed that,” said Kututwa.
She said the outreach is fostering a culture of proactive health consciousness among women, as more community members recognise the importance of regular screening.
“Almost everyone is now conscious of their health. Everyone is aware that they need to be screened.
“We are delighted to be part of this cancer screening initiative as we give back to the community and others coming from outside Highfield.”
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The efforts of Highview Clinic, TM Pick n Pay and CABS highlight both the urgency of early detection and the community’s willingness to embrace preventive healthcare.
Health services manager at the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Naomi Badza, emphasised the importance of early detection.
She noted that cervical and breast cancer remain the top killers among women and urged more women to take advantage of screening opportunities.
“Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Zimbabwe, with breast cancer second.
“Early detection and screening save lives. To all the ladies out there, make sure you go for cervical and breast cancer screening,” she said.
Highview Clinic and Maternity managing director and orthopaedic surgeon, Eliot F. Chikati, said the initiative was strengthened by collaboration between the clinic and its corporate partners, whose support made the outreach possible.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe and our partners, TM Pick n Pay and CABS, for working with Highview Clinic and Maternity on this important initiative.”
One of the beneficiaries, Glen Norah resident Mary Makombore, said the outreach fulfilled her expectations by providing accessible, timely health services and reassurance about the importance of early detection.
“I came here expecting to be screened, and I am happy that the process was smooth and I got the help I needed.
“This initiative has given me peace of mind because I now know my health status, and I encourage other women to take part,” she said.
