First Lady observes World Cancer Day

Friday, February 5, 2016

Pretoria - First Lady, Tobeka Madiba Zuma, has shared her hopes and dreams for a healthier South Africa with cancer patients and their families at two Pretoria hospitals.

The First Lady on Thursday paid a visit to Kalafong Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Tshwane to commemorate World Cancer Day through her foundation, the Tobeka Madiba Zuma (TMZ) Foundation.

The foundation yesterday said the visits were conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health, the City of Tshwane, the two hospitals and M&M Marketing.

“Today, I wish to reach out to all those who are gripped by the disease and those who are continuing to struggle against it.

“I’m here because I want people to know that at the TMZ Foundation, we are working tirelessly to raise awareness on cancer and other non-communicable diseases,” said Zuma.

She said the diseases can be largely managed with accessible healthcare, screening and early diagnosis.

About 30 members of the TMZ Foundation, cancer survivors, people who are newly diagnosed, their families and community support leaders were part of Thursday’s visit.

Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital CEO Dr Freddy Kgongwana said the hospital’s Breast Oncology Clinic will definitely benefit from the support in order to achieve a healthy life for all in the country.

“Eighty-two percent of deaths due to cancer occur in developing countries where access to prevention services such as education, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and lifesaving pre-cancer screening and early treatment is limited,” said the foundation. - SAnews.gov.za