Save the lives of children with cancer in Zimbabwe

Introduction

As the year ended for 2017, Kidzcan has managed to steadfastly, deliver its services in the

heart of a very difficult year and stringiest budget. There is so much hard work that was put by Kidzcan into faring and firefighting to remain a viable entity. Kidzcan relentlessly provided childhood cancer services in the form of chemotherapy and supportive drugs, diagnostic, transport, and psychosocial support and laboratory investigations.

The third and fourth quarter of 2017 was a busy one for the organization as it undertook a number of fundraising activities to ensure fulfilment of its mandate.  The activities included the Fashion Designer Expo in Bulawayo, Triathlon Race and the Cocktails for Cancer. 

The purpose of this report is to appraise GlobalGiving on Kidzcan accomplishments in the second half (July-December) of 2017.

Fundraising

Kidzcan continues to be indebted to all its donors and partners who continue to bankroll its activities. Kidzcan continues to mobilize funds so as to service its mandate of supporting children living with cancer in Zimbabwe.

Fashion Designer Expo, Arunel and Kidzcan surprising children at Mpilo Hospital

Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) Network

On the 9^th of November Kidzcan was awarded Excellence in supporting Children’s Welfare by CSR Network Zimbabwe.  We believe this recognition speaks volumes about the work that Kidzcan is doing in support of children with cancer in Zimbabwe.

Christmas Handout

Kidzcan held a successful Christmas handout on the 7^th of December.  We were joined by G-Tel who donated gift packs to the children and their parents.  St Michaels Prep School came and presented 5 drip stands, an urn and kids pampers.  These were handed directly to the hospital authorities. Schweppes presented a fridge to A6 ward to be used by the parents.

Clinical Care

Kidzcan continues to give clinical services.  However there is a greater increase of demand for drugs and change of protocols from the common drugs used by the clinicians without notice. There is also greater increase for blood and blood products being requested. Kidzcan has been restrictive with blood supply, however, with drugs, being the sole provider, the increase has greatly reduced the stocks that were meant to last until the 31^st of January2018.

Service Provision

Kidzcan  provided blood and blood products to 271 new cases as well as to 485 others at the hospitals. Due to increased awareness, more children presented at the hospitals for blood and blood and products.Provided pyschosocial support to 756 children and their parents/guardians during the year.Less children than anticipated were provided with busfares during the year. This was because of lack of adequate funding as more resources were put to drugs and bloods.

 Home visits were undertaken to 10 children, although more had been earmarked for visits. This was due to inadequate funding.

Follow up on calls were made to 52 children who had been discharged at various times during the course of the year. Whilst the majority were doing well after discharge, some passed on due to various reasons which include lack of nutritious foods and defaulting.

Conclusion

Kidzcan remains committed to a compassionate world where children with cancer are afforded the fight for survival in a caring and loving environment.  Kidzcan also acknowledges the great work being done by corporates and donors who brave the financial crisis to ensure that children with cancer have access to services.  We look forward to a better and brighter 2018 where we will strive to achieve our mission and vision to reduce the motility rate of children living with cancer in Zimbabwe

Links:

• Video of support Kidzcan is giving