By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE – Early detection of childhood cancer can mean the difference between life and death.
But for many Zimbabwean families, that window of opportunity is closing before they even know it exists.
That was the sobering message from Daniel McKenzie, Executive Director of KidzCan Zimbabwe, as he addressed a handover ceremony in Harare this week. NetOne had arrived with blankets, groceries, and medical equipment—but the real gift, McKenzie suggested, was awareness.
“If detected early, no child should die of cancer,” McKenzie said firmly.
McKenzie revealed a troubling reality: most communities do not even know that children can get cancer.
“People associate cancer with adult cancers—and yet if detected early, no child should die of cancer,” he repeated for emphasis.
The problem, he explained, is structural. Historically, families have travelled to India and elsewhere for treatment. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s clinics have lacked a training curriculum for nurses to recognise the signs of childhood cancers.
“Parents are unsure of what they are seeing. Nurses, never trained to recognise the signs, are equally unsure,” McKenzie said. “By the time a child is finally referred onward to Parirenyatwa, precious time has already been lost.”
While treatment is essential, McKenzie stressed that nutrition plays an equally critical role in recovery.
“We offer free treatment to children, which is important because children have to eat healthy food,” he said. “Childhood cancers, unlike many adult cancers, tend to respond far better to treatment—but only if they are caught in time.”
Leukemia is the most common cancer among children, though solid tumours—including bone cancers and brain tumours—also affect young patients.
As part of its 2026 Winter Drive, NetOne donated blankets, bed linen, blood pressure monitoring machines, glucometers, blood sugar testing kits, and other essential items aimed at improving the well-being of young patients and their caregivers.
The support comes at a crucial time as winter temperatures continue to drop across the country.
Speaking at the event, Ernest Magadzire, NetOne Public Relations Manager, said the partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to its Health and Care strategic pillar.
“At NetOne, we believe connectivity goes beyond technology. It is about connecting communities to opportunities, support and hope,” Magadzire said.
“Through this partnership with KidzCan, we are investing in the health and well-being of vulnerable children while contributing towards Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, the National Development Strategy 2 objectives on social protection and healthcare, and our Environmental, Social and Governance commitments.”
The handover marks the beginning of NetOne’s 2026 Winter Drive and builds momentum towards the NetOne KidzCan Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for 26 June in Bulawayo.
Funds raised during the tournament will further support children undergoing cancer treatment and strengthen KidzCan‘s capacity to provide care and accommodation for patients and their families.
Through strategic partnerships and community-driven interventions, NetOne continues to demonstrate that sustainable business success is inseparable from social impact.
As McKenzie put it: “If detected early, no child should die of cancer.”
With partners like NetOne stepping up, that message is finally reaching the communities that need to hear it most.
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