Johannesburg – In a transfer to handle late-stage most cancers detection, Rio Tinto, PinkDrive, and the Department of Health are bringing cell most cancers screenings and first healthcare companies to communities in want.
The initiative, which started in July and can proceed in August will broaden to KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape.
The enlargement follows a profitable outreach in 2024.
“With 65% of all pure causes of dying attributed to non-communicable illnesses (NCDs) (in accordance with the National Cancer Registry), this initiative aligns with South Africa’s nationwide well being objectives,” Rio Tinto stated on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
These objectives purpose to cut back the burden of NCDs via early detection, prevention, and improved entry to care, whereas additionally addressing social elements that influence well being.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) Africa Operations & RBM Managing Director Werner Duvenhage stated: “We are proud to as soon as once more collaborate with PinkDrive to convey these companies nearer to those that want them most.
“Through this collaboration, we will prolong our attain and make a significant influence even in areas the place we aren’t bodily current.
“It is an extension of our core values of CARE.”
Last 12 months, the outreach efficiently reached 7 695 individuals over two weeks, and the purpose for this 12 months is to display screen over 12 000 people and supply well being training to many extra.
CEO and Founder of PinkDrive, Noelene Kotschan, stated: “Far too many South Africans are recognized late as a result of they merely don’t have entry to screening amenities.
“Our mannequin of cell healthcare has confirmed each revolutionary and efficient in bridging this hole.”
The cell clinics will present important companies similar to mammograms, pap smears, Prostate-Specific Antigen checks scientific breast examinations, pores and skin and lung most cancers screenings in addition to normal well being screenings.
Qualified docs, nurses, radiographers, and well being educators will present these companies might be supplied freed from cost with referrals to public well being amenities organized the place obligatory.
This necessary initiative is funded by the Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund, which invests in initiatives that create lasting socio-economic advantages inside the group’s operational markets.
It enhances current native social programmes and extends assist to handle key nationwide socio-economic wants.
