By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, December 25, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ), an organisation that supports cancer patients has appealed to the public for donations to assist five cancer patients to access medical treatment in hospitals.

According to CSQ Executive Director, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe, the organisation aims to provide financial support to cancer patients, covering transportation and food costs; thereby, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and patient dropout rates.

Ng’ombe noted that cancer patients from low-income backgrounds often struggle to access medical care due to financial constraints.

“An average person cannot carter for transport and accommodation to access medical care as it is free in Malawi but to travel to hospitals is costly since some come from far places like Mangochi and need to travel to Blantyre while some need to go to the hospital twice a month, of which it is expensive undertaking,” he said.

Established in 2011, CSQ uses cancer survivors to promote hope and support to those affected by the disease in Malawi.

“We use those that have survived cancer to promote hope to others who are suffering from the disease and through their contributions we support the cancer patients with transport and other materials,” said Ng’ombe.

Meanwhile, CSQ has raised awareness in the whole country and introduced many programmes with the aim of supporting cancer patients in Malawi.

“Without blowing our own trumpet, we have managed a lot in terms of awareness we have done a lot of awareness throughout the nation. We have been to Mzuzu, Zomba, Blantyre and Lilongwe; we also have online awareness, screening programme and cancer awareness clubs which support patients,” Ng’ombe added.

One of the cancer survivors from Blantyre, Mathias Chinthenga expressed gratitude for the support from CSQ. 

“For me, I cannot say much, all that I can say is to thank God almighty for allowing me to meet with these people because they have helped me a lot to receive cancer treatment as I was having some problems with money for transport, without them I could have just been staying

“I was lacking care because I am single, I don’t have parents, money for transport no one was assisting me. I was thinking of committing suicide but since I met with these people my life changed,” said Mathias.

Mathias, therefore, encouraged well-wishers to donate to the organisation, noting that cancer is a chronic disease that requires sufficient support.

Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director, George Jobe commended CSQ, pointing out that the health sector needs more partners to complement its efforts in health service delivery.

“We have some cancer patients who don’t have money to go to the hospital to receive treatment but when they get support their lives are saved. So, we commend the initiative of soliciting funds from well-wishers and well-wishers whose contributions have saved lives,” Jobe said.

However, Jobe called on people to support such initiatives as those initiated by CSQ in a bid to reach out to more people with the support.