Venus Charumbira
Environment and Health Reporter
Bulawayo – Cancer has surpassed HIV/AIDS as Zimbabwe’s leading cause of death, with delayed diagnoses and a critical shortage of oncologists contributing to thousands of preventable fatalities annually. The Ministry of Health and Child Care reports over 1,500 cancer-related deaths each year since 2019, with most patients facing life-threatening treatment delays.
To address the crisis, Zimbabwe is decentralizing cancer care by establishing new treatment centers in Gweru and Mutare, funded by a $130.8 million allocation from the Sugar Tax. The Health Ministry also plans to procure 10-12 advanced radiotherapy machines, including linear accelerators, by December 2025.
“Decentralizing services will ease pressure on Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals, reduce wait times, and save lives,” said Lovemore Makumbirofa, Research Officer at the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ).
At Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, only a handful of radiotherapy machines are functional, forcing patients to endure months-long waiting lists. Many die before receiving care.
“My sister waited eight months for radiotherapy. By then, the cancer had spread too far,” shared Memory Ndlovu, a grieving relative from Gwanda.
Despite infrastructure improvements, treatment remains unaffordable for most. A single session costs $150 to $1,000—far beyond the reach of many in a country where the majority earn less than $200 monthly.
“Without subsidies, these new machines will only benefit those who can pay,” warned Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health.
While the expansion marks progress, experts stress that sustained funding, equipment maintenance, and stronger diagnostic systems are vital for long-term success.
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