Poor ART Adherence Raises Cancer Risk in Children

By Andile Vundla

Children defaulting on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at higher risk of developing cancers linked to HIV as opportunistic infections, health experts have warned.

The concern was raised by KidzCan Zimbabwe and the National AIDS Council (NAC) in an interview with SkyzMetro FM on the sidelines of ZITF, where stakeholders highlighted the strong link between HIV, weakened immunity, and childhood cancers.

KidzCan health and awareness coordinator Charity Chawadzwa said interrupted or poor adherence to HIV treatment among children weakens immunity, increasing vulnerability to serious conditions, including cancer.

“If children on ARVs do not take their medication consistently, cancer can come as an opportunistic infection. That is what we are seeing in some cases,” she said.

She urged parents and guardians to strictly ensure children on ART follow treatment schedules and attend all medical appointments.

“We are encouraging parents to keep children on their medication and ensure adherence so that HIV is suppressed and does not allow other illnesses, including cancer, to develop,” Chawadzwa added.

KidzCan works with government hospitals across Zimbabwe, including major referral centres in Harare and Bulawayo, providing chemotherapy drugs, diagnostic services, counselling and psychosocial support for children with cancer.

The organisation also runs a “home away from home” programme in Harare to reduce treatment abandonment among patients who travel long distances or are affected by social and economic challenges.

NAC Communications Specialist Tadiwa Nyatanga-Pfupa said HIV-related conditions remain a major public health concern, with research indicating that 60% of new cancer cases are HIV-related, highlighting the need for integrated health responses.

“Studies have shown that a large proportion of cancer cases,are associated with HIV, which is why we are working with partners to strengthen screening and awareness,” she said.

She added that NAC is collaborating with partners such as AHF for cervical cancer screening, Population Solutions for Health, Southern Skies Medical for prostate screening, and other organisations offering services for diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.

“Because people living with HIV have compromised immunity, we are also prioritising screening for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure,” she said.

Zimbabwe continues to pursue the 95-95-95 HIV targets, which aim to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95 percent achieve viral suppression.

Meanwhile the country is also working torwards achieving 60% childhood cancer survival rate by 2030.

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