The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Harare Metropolitan Province, in collaboration with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ), have conducted a prostate cancer screening for inmates as part of the national Cancer Screening Week.
The initiative, took place at Harare Central Prison, and it will cascade to all stations within the province to promote early detection and raising awareness about prostate cancer among inmates.
ZPCS health experts are working closely with other health institutions to provide health education on the importance of regular check-ups and early diagnosis of diseases on inmates and officers.
Speaking during the launch, Provincial Medical Officer, Chief Superintendent Dr Itai Memory Vengesai noted that access to health services is a fundamental right for all individuals, including inmates in correctional facilities.
“As we celebrate World Cancer Day which is celebrated every year on 4 February, we decided to collaborate with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe for cancer screening of inmates who are forty years and above.
“As our mandate, we make sure inmates are reintegrated into the society in a good health state, it’s important to note that inmates’ health is community healthy,” she said.
This exercise highlights ZPCS’s commitment to improve officers’ and inmates’ welfare, health care provision, and rehabilitation through holistic support systems.
Sister-in-charge Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Cordelia Marekera, said their motive is to spread cancer awareness and reduce the burden of cancer nationwide.
She said that they believe inmates behind bars are not privileged to go on their own for cancer screening.
Inmates who participated in the cancer exercise expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the programme had helped them to better understand their health status and know the risks associated with prostate cancer.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment between ZPCS and the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe to extend essential health services to vulnerable groups within society, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.
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