Girl defeats Stage four cancer amidst social stigma in Zimbabwe
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In Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, 13-year-old Tanaka Kungarangadza faced ostracism from her community after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2018.
People feared her due to the visible effects of the cancer, whispering about curses and avoiding contact with her and her family. Doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals diagnosed her, and a team led by Dr. Loyce Hlatshwayo began chemotherapy treatment in June 2018.
Tanaka responded well to the treatment, and after nine cycles of chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission by October 2018. The success was aided by the support of KidzCan Zimbabwe, an organization that covered the costs of her treatment, including chemotherapy, scans, and psychosocial support. Tanaka returned to school, completed her education, and now aspires to become a chef. Other children in Zimbabwe are also receiving life-saving cancer treatment thanks to KidzCan and funding from the National AIDS Council (NAC).
The NAC, recognizing the growing need, began providing financial support for childhood cancer care in 2019, and has donated nearly US$500,000 to the cause. While Zimbabwe aims for a 60 percent childhood cancer survival rate by 2030, doctors emphasize the continued need to combat social stigma surrounding the disease.
