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By Joyce Mukucha
Stanbic bank has handed over a US$20 0000 donation to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) which will go towards the purchase of chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients.
The donation comes at a time when new cancer cases and deaths continue to increase every year in Zimbabwe.
The donation is part of Stanbic’s commitment to plough back into the community in which it operates through well thought-out Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Harare on the 27th of October 2021, Stanbic Bank Non-Executive Director, Simbarashe Mhuriro said his corporate was committed to enhance government efforts in providing public health care solutions and services in the country.
“Our CSI initiatives span from health and sanitation, education, the environment among other areas. On the health front we now have a flagship health initiative which seeks to help, support and facilitate the growth and sustainable development of public health services in Zimbabwe called USIZO-RUYAMURO.
“The initiative kicked-off in 2019 with the reopening of Tariro Hostel run by CAZ-a half way house-which provides rent-free accommodation for cancer patients who do not stay in Harare when they come for their chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at Parirenyatwa Hospital and Harare Central Hospital,” Mhuriro said.
He added that, “The donation comes at a time cancer continues to be a threat with over 400 cases recorded annually since 2009. According to Zimbabwe Cancer Registry data, cancer is emerging as a major public health in the country. Cancer is one of the four major Non Communicable Diseases, together with Cardio vascular diseases, Diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory diseases. It is with this in mind that Stanbic Bank has continued its contribution to the treatment of the members of the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe through US$20, 000.”
In addition, Mhuriro said Stanbic Bank will continue to play its part to support CAZ in the fight against cancer.
“We believe when we work together we can win this fight, IT CAN BE a healthier world.”
The donation marks eight years since Stanbic Bank started this relationship with CAZ in which the leading financial services institution puts its shoulder to the wheel and the fight against cancer.
Receiving the donation, CAZ chairperson, Eugene Mlambo expressed his gratitude to Stanbic explaining that the donation will go a long way in making the difference in communities by lessening the cancer burden.
“On behalf of my board and the rest of the staff I really want to thank Stanbic for extending such support to us . As CAZ, we are very humbled and honoured to have received this donation at a time when cancer cases continue to rise in Zimbabwe. The US$20 000 will purchase chemotherapy drugs that are going to assist our cancer patients.
“One of the notable support we received from Stanbic was in 2019 when the corporation refurbished and purchased bed linen and other utilities for Tariro Hostel which has been lying idle since 2007.”
Mlambo also highlighted that the donation came at a time when everything was strained by the global Covid-19 pandemic resulting in CAZ facing challenges to give all the needed support to patients.
“Its been difficult for us for the past eighteen months particularly because of Covid-19, a lot has happened and a most people were neglected.So as we receive this support, we are getting today from Stanbic is doubly appreciated. It is our hope that our relationship with Stanbic will continue to be cemented.”