By Fanuel Chinowaita
Rosina Mugadza, wife of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, has called for increased breast cancer awareness, early detection and equitable access to healthcare as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Manicaland Women’s Network joined other stakeholders in the fight against the disease.
Speaking at the network’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign held at Meikles Park in Mutare on today, Mugadza urged communities to take breast cancer seriously, highlighting its impact on families regardless of age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
“Breast cancer is a silent killer, stealing mothers, daughters, sisters and friends from our lives. It is a disease that knows no boundaries, touching every community regardless of age, ethnicity or socio-economic status,” she said.
The campaign was held under the theme, “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, bringing together police officers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to educate communities about the disease, encourage screening and support survivors.
Mugadza stressed the importance of early diagnosis, urging people to seek medical attention and undergo appropriate screening.
“Early detection remains our greatest weapon. Mammography screening, self-examination and clinical check-ups save lives,” she said.
She called for efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, could access quality healthcare.
“We must ensure that every individual, regardless of economic or social status, is assisted to receive quality healthcare,” Mugadza said.
She also paid tribute to breast cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment, while remembering people who had lost their lives to the disease.
“To the survivors, we celebrate your strength; to those fighting, we stand with you, and to those we have lost, we remember and honour your memory,” she said.
Mugadza commended the ZRP Manicaland Women’s Network for collaborating with other organisations, including the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ), in raising awareness about breast cancer.
She said such initiatives supported broader efforts to promote health and wellbeing in line with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The campaign’s provincial Women’s Network leadership also urged participants to take breast cancer awareness beyond the event by sharing information with their families, friends and communities.
“Breast cancer awareness is not just a campaign, it’s a movement. A movement to empower, educate and inspire,” the address stated.
The network encouraged people to spread the message through the slogan, “Tell a friend to tell a friend”, emphasising the importance of education, early detection and support for those affected by the disease.
Healthcare professionals at the programme were expected to provide further information on breast cancer, including its risk factors, prevention, early detection and management.
In a vote of thanks, the organisers expressed appreciation to the guest of honour, senior police officers, healthcare professionals, invited guests and community members for supporting the initiative.
The organisers reiterated the need for continued awareness, regular screening and access to medical attention for people who notice unusual changes in their breasts.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in October to promote public understanding of the disease, encourage early diagnosis and support patients and survivors.