Zimbabwe's Social Network

             Tariro Home for Cancer Patients     

                                                 Produced by

           The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe

                                                        27 June 2011

Contact Person:     Junior Mavu (Mrs.) 

Designation:           General Manager  

Address:                   60 Livingstone Avenue, P O Box 3358, Harare

Tel:                             04-707444 / 705522 / 707673

Email:                        cancer@mweb.co.zw / hccmanager@mweb.co.zw

Website:                  www.cancerassociation.co.zw

PROPOSAL

TARIRO (ZORORO) HOSTEL

In 1974 the Harare Branch Council of the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe founded Tariro (Zororo) Hostel which is situated on the grounds of Harare Central Hospital and caters for 25 patients. The hostel provided a home, free of charge to cancer patients from the rural areas while they were having radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments at Parirenyatwa Radiotherapy Department. Patients stayed at Tariro for a period of four to eight weeks.

Unfortunately, this service was suspended in 2007 due to financial constrains. However, the Harare Cancer Association would like to resuscitate Tariro Hostel and is appealing for donations in cash and kind. The demand for accommodation while on treatment for rural Zimbabwean women is increasing rapidly thus the Cancer Association is indebted with rural women looking for accommodation while on treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital

Statement of Purpose:

Cancer kills more people globally than tuberculosis, HIV and malaria combined, and the number is growing quickly, adding to the disease burden of non communicable diseases. Each year over 12.7 million people receive cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million people die from the disease. According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, the most common types of cancers among Zimbabweans are as follows:

Top three cancers

Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (2006)

Access to resources (financial, equipment, human resources) for cancer programmes remains limited, whilst the cost of accessing treatment remains high. Many cancer patients and their families as a result remain without access to treatment, care and support services. It is also unfortunate to note that access to information on cancer prevention, early detection and management remains scanty and concentrated to highly urbanized communities, with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe being one of the few resource centres.

Research suggests that one-third of cancer deaths can be avoided through prevention and another third through early detection and treatment. However, the burden is rising and without action. Urgent and immediate action is thus needed to promote prevention, early detection and better management of cancer.  Prevention is better than cure, and it tends to be cheaper.

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Background Information on the Organization:

The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe is a nonprofit making organization which was started in 1961. It was formed by a group of cancer survivors and volunteers in a bid to support each other morally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Since the beginning of this noble service, the Cancer Association has continued to grow in providing cancer support services and cancer awareness programmes.

The Association is run by team of board members who have expertise in various areas pertaining to the operations of the organization. The board members give policy direction to the organization, whilst the health professionals and volunteers at the centre are responsible for the day to day running of the institution.

Our Vision

The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe is committed to raising cancer awareness and improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families

Mission

Our mission is to collectively reduce the disease burden due to cancer through promotion of action research, education, supportive counseling, advocacy and other based interventions taking a holistic approach.

Our Objectives and Core Functions

The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe strives to: -

• provide supportive and emotional counseling services to those that are diagnosed of cancer and their families
• carry out awareness programmes with a focus on the most common cancers as well as give information in cancer prevention and management
• provide complementary health therapies to cancer patients
• serve as a resource centre
• provide breast care and mastectomy clinic
• initiate and support formation of support groups

Achievements:

The Cancer Association has over the years made strides towards accomplishing its mission. The following are some of the key successes;

• The Cancer Association has become a centre of hope for many patients who needs to debrief and emotional support. Hundreds of patients have been supported through the emotional journey following a cancer diagnosis
• Hundreds of commemorations, wellness programmes, expos and lectures on cancer have been organized and the awareness role continues to grow from strength to strength
• Information, education and communication material on common cancers and arising issues have been produced and distributed widely
• The Cancer Association has been represented internationally at the World Cancer Conference in Geneva and the work at the Cancer Association is widely recognized the world over
• The Association has become a consistent voice for patients and health professionals working with cancer patients at different policy forums

Challenges:

• Access to resources for cancer programmes remains limited and as a result many cancer patients remain without access to comprehensive treatment and support services

• Financial constraints since the Association is a non-profit making organization which runs from donations
• Staff turnover as a result of limited funds
• Outreach programmes are not able to cover rural (or remote) areas due to lack of appropriate transport and a limited staff compliment

Project Summary

The demand for accommodation while on treatment for rural Zimbabwean women and men is increasing rapidly thus the Cancer Association is indebted by cancer patients looking for accommodation whilst on treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital. The hostel provided a safe and peaceful environment for cancer patients and they were able to share their experiences and supported each other emotionally, spiritually socially and physically with the help of nurse counselors. The opening of the hostel will have a positive impact on the lives of the rural women and men and their families.

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Below is a budget of equipment required to resuscitate the hostel:

Budget