Zimbabwe receives new cancer machines

Zimbabwe has taken delivery of a second consignment of advanced cancer treatment equipment as Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country's oncology services and improve access to life-saving care.

The latest shipment includes sophisticated radiotherapy machines known as Linear Accelerators (LINACs), which are designed to deliver highly targeted radiation therapy for the treatment of deep-seated cancers.

The technology represents a significant upgrade from older cancer treatment systems, enabling greater precision in targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Health experts say the equipment is expected to improve treatment outcomes, reduce complications and enhance the quality of care for cancer patients.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the country was making steady progress in replacing outdated cancer treatment infrastructure with modern technology capable of serving a growing number of patients.

"We have completed phase one and are now moving into phase two, which focuses on procuring diagnostic equipment to support early cancer detection," he said.

Mombeshora said Government's long-term strategy extends beyond upgrading treatment facilities and includes improving diagnostic capacity to facilitate earlier detection and intervention.

He added that authorities were already planning a third phase aimed at decentralising cancer treatment services to improve access for patients outside major urban centres.

"In the third phase, we are looking at creating other cancer treatment centres outside these metropolitan provinces. We are moving closer to provinces like Mashonaland West, Chinhoyi Hospital, Midlands Hospital and Masvingo," he said.

The expansion is expected to reduce the burden on patients who currently travel long distances to access specialised cancer treatment in Harare and Bulawayo.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the procurement programme demonstrates the impact of domestic resource mobilisation initiatives, particularly the sugar content tax introduced on sweetened beverages.

"A couple of years ago, we proposed that a sugar content tax on beverages be introduced. It is introduced, and we are delighted to see the results of that tax," he said.

"Out of the US$30 million that we have used so far, we have managed to procure the first set of machines under this programme."

The sugar tax, introduced at a rate of US$0.001 per gram of sugar, was specifically designed to raise funds for cancer care through the acquisition of essential equipment, procurement of modern medicines and strengthening of treatment infrastructure.

Zimbabwe continues to face significant challenges in cancer management, with healthcare institutions often struggling with shortages of specialised equipment, limited treatment capacity and a high number of patients presenting with advanced-stage disease.

Healthcare stakeholders have long argued that improved diagnostic and treatment infrastructure is critical to reducing cancer-related deaths and improving survival rates.

The arrival of the new LINAC machines is expected to strengthen the country's capacity to deliver advanced radiotherapy services and forms part of broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe's healthcare system and improve access to specialised medical care.

Government officials say continued investment in diagnostic technology, treatment facilities and decentralised cancer services will be essential in addressing the growing burden of cancer and ensuring more patients receive timely and effective treatment.