Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
A Bulawayo-based physiotherapist, Mr Precious Madzimbe, has once again raised the Zimbabwean flag, after delivering a groundbreaking research paper at the prestigious International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) World Congress 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, recently.
His research has not only placed Zimbabwe in the spotlight but also underscored the vital role of physiotherapy in enhancing cancer care for children, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Mr Madzimbe presented a seminal research paper titled “Mapping the Role of Physiotherapy in Childhood Cancer Care: A Scoping Review of Rehabilitation Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.”
Co-authored with colleagues Sandra Banini and Dorothy Adjabu from Ghana, the paper focused on how physiotherapy can significantly aid the treatment and recovery of children suffering from cancer in developing nations.
“Our research sought to demonstrate how physiotherapists contribute to pain management, mobility restoration, respiratory care, fatigue reduction, and psychosocial support for paediatric cancer patients,” he said.
Mr Madzimbe said that through extensive review and screening, the study revealed essential insights into the existing practices of physiotherapy in these challenging environments.
He said it also exposed the hurdles faced by many healthcare systems, including inadequate staffing, insufficient oncology-specific training, and low levels of caregiver awareness.
“The review screened more than the results of the study revealed that physiotherapists play crucial roles in pain management, mobility restoration, respiratory care, fatigue reduction, and psychosocial support for paediatric cancer patients. However, challenges such as limited staffing, lack of oncology-specific training, weak referral practices, and low caregiver awareness persist across many low- and middle-income countries,” Mr Madzimbe said.
One of the standout features of Mr Madzimbe’s research is its focus on innovative models that could be effectively integrated into African healthcare systems.
He emphasised the importance of home-based exercise programs and community-based rehabilitation initiatives tailored to local needs.
“Without physiotherapy, cancer cure is incomplete — rehabilitation is survival with quality,” said Mr Madzimbe.
He mentioned that his presentation comes at a crucial time, coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which Zimbabwe joined global efforts to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and accessible treatment.
“It reinforces the message that recovery from childhood cancer transcends mere survival; it is about restoring dignity, movement, and hope to young patients,” he added.
The SIOP congress was attended by more than 2,000 multidisciplinary delegates from over 100 countries.
“This emphasises the significance of this platform for discussing advancements in caring for children and adolescents with cancer.
This gathering allowed professionals to advocate for integrating physiotherapy into national childhood cancer strategies, ensuring that all aspects of a child’s health are addressed.
“The meeting provides opportunities for paediatric oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists to share evidence-based innovations that strengthen holistic cancer care,” Mr Madzimbe said.
He called on local policymakers to recognise and support the inclusion of rehabilitation in cancer treatment plans.
Mr Madzimbe’s endeavours not only enhance Zimbabwe’s presence on the international stage but also resonate deeply with local families and healthcare professionals.
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