Thousands of Zimbabwean cancer patients could soon gain access to more advanced treatment services locally following the arrival of the country's first multi-energy cancer treatment machines, marking a significant step in efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services and reduce the burden of seeking treatment abroad.

Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said  Zimbabwe is entering a new era in cancer treatment following the arrival of the country's first batch of multi-energy cancer treatment machines capable of treating all known types of cancer anywhere in the body.

The breakthrough is expected to significantly strengthen the country's capacity to fight cancer, a disease that continues to place a heavy burden on families and health institutions across Zimbabwe.

The advanced machines will be installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital, expanding access to specialised cancer treatment and reducing pressure on existing oncology services.

Dr Mombeshora said the acquisition marks a major step towards modernising Zimbabwe's cancer care system and improving access to life-saving treatment for patients across the country.

The development comes as cancer cases continue to rise, with diseases such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and childhood cancers contributing significantly to the country's disease burden.

Funding for the equipment was made possible through the Sugar Content Tax introduced by Treasury, with proceeds ring-fenced specifically for healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment procurement.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube reaffirmed Treasury's commitment to directing Sugar Content Tax proceeds towards strengthening healthcare services.

He said the tax was designed to support the acquisition of modern medical equipment, particularly for diseases such as cancer that have caused immense suffering among Zimbabweans.

The arrival of the machines is expected to reduce treatment bottlenecks while improving the quality of cancer care available within the country.

Zimbabwe has historically faced challenges associated with limited radiotherapy equipment and growing demand for oncology services, forcing some patients to endure long waiting periods or seek treatment outside the country.

Prof Ncube said additional cancer treatment machines are expected to arrive soon as efforts intensify to decentralise specialised services.

He said the long-term goal is to equip Provincial and General Hospitals with cancer treatment facilities, bringing services closer to communities and reducing travel costs for patients.

The Government is also targeting the procurement of cancer diagnostic machines to strengthen early detection, which remains one of the most effective tools in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

The latest investment represents one of the most significant developments in Zimbabwe's cancer care system in recent years and is expected to provide renewed hope for thousands of patients requiring specialised treatment.

With more equipment expected in the coming months, Zimbabwe is steadily expanding its capacity to diagnose, treat and manage cancer while moving closer to its goal of providing accessible and modern healthcare services nationwide.