Kisumu: The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services across the country, emphasizing that early detection remains the most effective way to reduce cancer-related deaths.
According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, highlighted that breast, cervical, and prostate cancers continue to claim many lives despite being preventable and treatable when detected early. He emphasized the significance of the mobile cancer clinic launched in the country, which aims to strengthen cancer prevention and control by making essential screening services more accessible to communities facing barriers such as long distances, high costs, limited time, and inadequate awareness.
Dr. Oluga encouraged Kenyans to utilize available screening services and urged parents and guardians to ensure their eligible children receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer. His remarks were delivered by Dr. Joan Paula Bor, Head of the National Cancer Control Programme, during the launch of the Mobile Cancer Screening Clinic, also known as the Clinic on Wheels, and the 15th Anniversary celebrations of the Awareness Cancer Foundation (ACF) at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.
The Principal Secretary reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to expanding cancer screening services nationwide, noting that these services are available under the Social Health Authority. He commended ACF for its 15 years of dedicated service, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience and strong partnerships in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Oluga praised ACF, co-founded by Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o and her husband, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, as a trusted partner of the Ministry of Health. ACF plays a vital role in the National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Committee, helping to shape national cancer policies and strategies while ensuring the voices of patients and communities are heard.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, a prostate cancer survivor, urged Kenyans to seek cancer screening before symptoms become severe, emphasizing that early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of survival. He highlighted the importance of the mobile screening clinic in bringing life-saving services closer to communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel to seek medical services.
The Governor acknowledged the ongoing investments in specialized healthcare, including Kenya’s first bone marrow transplant facility at JOOTRH, which is set to enhance cancer treatment, and partnerships aimed at improving treatment for sickle cell disease at Victoria Hospital. He pointed out that sustained public awareness and regular screening are essential in reducing the burden of cancer, which remains both a health and economic challenge.
Awareness Cancer Foundation co-founder Mama Dorothy Nyong’o affirmed the organization’s commitment to improving access to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment services since its establishment in 2011. She noted that ACF has expanded its outreach to 30 counties, screening over 36,000 people for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers through mobile outreach programs.
Mama Dorothy highlighted partnerships with Tiba Foundation and Matibabu Foundation, which have facilitated the establishment of the Clinic on Wheels. She expressed gratitude to the foundation’s volunteers and called on partners and stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to early cancer detection services.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise emphasized that the mobile cancer screening clinic would significantly improve access to cancer screening services, especially for those unable to afford transportation to health facilities. He revealed that construction of a comprehensive Cancer Centre at JOOTRH is underway, funded by both the National Government and the County Government of Kisumu, enhancing specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with GLOBOCAN estimating 35,867 new cases and 22,888 deaths annually. The most common types affecting Kenyans include breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
