Zimbabwe performs first-ever bone marrow transplant

Zimbabwe has entered a new era in specialist healthcare after Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals successfully performed the country's first-ever bone marrow transplant, a major breakthrough expected to reduce the need for patients to seek complex cancer treatment abroad.

The historic autologous stem cell transplant was performed on 55-year-old Clifford Munemo, a multiple myeloma patient from Marondera, by a team of local specialists led by consultant haematologist Dr Moses Chatambudza.

The development supports Government's drive to expand access to high-end medical care locally while reducing the financial burden associated with medical tourism.

Patients seeking bone marrow transplants abroad can face bills ranging from US$23 000 to US$40 000 in India and up to US$70 000 in South Africa.

Munemo said although he had not yet received his final medical bill, the cost of his treatment in Zimbabwe was a fraction of what he could have paid abroad.

"It was nowhere near US$23 000, neither US$40 000. It was way cheaper," he said, adding that PSMAS covered almost the entire cost.

Dr Chatambudza said the transplant programme was established in response to the financial and logistical challenges faced by Zimbabweans requiring specialised treatment outside the country.

"This is the first-ever bone marrow transplant in Zimbabwe that we decided to embark on because we have seen that our patients are suffering, and the financial burden of going to other countries is just not sustainable," he said.

"With Government support, we realised we need to do all of these things here in Zimbabwe."

Munemo's medical ordeal began in October 2024 when severe back pain suddenly worsened while he was driving from Marondera to West End Hospital.

"I only managed to drive to West End Hospital and immediately became paralysed. I could no longer walk and was put on the wheelchair," he recalled.

Medical investigations subsequently confirmed that he had multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.

He was referred to Dr Chatambudza at Parirenyatwa, where he underwent targeted systemic treatment and regained the ability to walk by early 2025.

However, routine assessments in June 2026 showed that the cancer had become aggressive, making an autologous stem cell transplant the most appropriate definitive treatment option.

Munemo was admitted to Parirenyatwa on August 5 to begin the transplant process.

"I am feeling positive that I am now okay," he said emotionally as he prepared for discharge. "I don't know how to thank Dr Chatambudza and his team because even money is not enough."

The breakthrough was made possible by specialised diagnostic and blood-processing equipment donated by the National AIDS Council (NAC).

Last year, NAC handed over equipment worth nearly US$2 million to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to strengthen blood services and renal care at Parirenyatwa.

The equipment includes the Cobas e402 analyser, ORTHO VISION analyser and Spectra Optia Apheresis System, which enables specialists to harvest stem cells directly from peripheral blood.

The equipment has now been put to additional use in the bone marrow transplant programme.

Dr Chatambudza said funding and access to specialised equipment had initially presented a major challenge.

"The biggest challenge we faced was the funding component. But you know what? NAC came in and essentially changed the whole thing," he said, adding that the donated machinery provided the missing link required to establish the transplant programme.

NAC chief executive officer Dr Benard Madzima said supporting specialised medical equipment formed part of the council's broader mandate to integrate HIV services with non-communicable diseases and oncology care.

"This has led to the development of the first-ever bone marrow transplant, which the specialists at Parirenyatwa Hospital have been able to provide," Dr Madzima said.

He said NAC was also extending similar infrastructure support to central hospitals in the southern region, including Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals.

Munemo's treatment involved extensive pre-transplant assessments, stem cell mobilisation and high-dose Melphalan chemotherapy to destroy the diseased bone marrow before his previously collected stem cells were re-infused.

He then spent 10 days in strict protective isolation, receiving blood transfusions and prophylactic treatment while doctors monitored his recovery.

Tests subsequently confirmed that the transplanted stem cells had successfully engrafted and resumed healthy blood-cell production.

Dr Chatambudza said the clinical team initially plans to conduct about 30 transplants over the next 12 months as additional diagnostic capabilities are integrated into the programme.

One of the key pieces of equipment expected to strengthen the programme is a CD34 enumerator flow cytometer, which will improve the assessment and monitoring of stem cells.

"Parirenyatwa being the biggest referral hospital in the country, we have to handle referrals from all over the country," Dr Chatambudza said.

"Hopefully, by 2030, we will be doing above 100 transplants."

The specialised unit will treat patients with a range of haematological conditions, including acute and chronic leukaemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma, as well as non-cancerous conditions such as aplastic anaemia and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes.

The successful transplant marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's public healthcare system and could pave the way for more patients to access advanced blood and cancer treatments without having to travel outside the country.