In rural areas such as Molteno, Eastern Cape, access to vital medical care and other crucial services can often be a struggle for the community.
Thankfully, PinkDrive NPC, a health sector non-profit organisation focused on delivering free gender-related cancer screening services aimed at early detection, has historically shown up as a shining light for communities in need nationwide.
PinkDrive’s Mobile Health Units travel the country to extend the reach of critical screening services to people living in areas where advanced screening capabilities are lacking.
Sharon Thomson, business development officer at PinkDrive said, “Our focus is to provide gender-related cancer screenings to those who don’t have access to health facilities in rural and peri-urban areas. We offer free services, including mammograms, pap smears, PSA tests, and clinical breast exams in those areas.”
In honour of Mandela Day and PinkDrive’s continual commitment to assist communities that need their services, PinkDrive, in partnership with Vuma, shared their warmth of kindness with the community of Molteno, which experiences the coldest temperatures in South Africa during winter.
Free mammograms, pap smear tests, PSA tests, clinical breast examination, and a blanket to keep warm during cold weather was provided to those in need in Molteno.
Taylor Kwong, CSI and marketing manager at Vuma said, “Giving back is part of our business philosophy, and we will always do our best to support our communities and beyond. At Vuma, we believe in the warmth of kindness and the idea that ‘because we can, we must’. While PinkDrive plays a fundamental role in improving access to vital services throughout the year, we wholeheartedly support the message behind Mandela Day – that everyone has a reason and a way to support others.”
“Winter is a particularly difficult time of year, and adding warmth and kindness to people’s lives by providing blankets can be a simple yet powerful way we can make life better for the people PinkDrive serves. Mandela Day is an incredible opportunity to reflect on what matters most which is helping our communities by giving them a fighting chance. It starts with us connecting with the communities we operate in, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive, starting with the vital care that PinkDrive gives.”
On the frontline
There are roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases diagnosed in Africa each year, with about 700 000 deaths.
South Africa contributes significantly to this number, with 51.3 percent of women and 48.6 percent of men diagnosed with cancer.
PinkDrive has been on the frontline in South Africa’s battle against gender-related cancers for over 15 years, having performed almost 500 000 clinical breast exams, more than 27 000 mammograms, and 1000’s of male breast examinations since its inception in 2009.
“The biggest problem we see is that people arrive at public hospitals and clinics with late or advanced-stage cancer and are not going to get the treatment they need. Our job is to get them there sooner because early detection can help prolong lives,” said Thomson.
To support PinkDrive and find out more about its Mobile Health Units and other initiatives, visit the PinkDrive website.
