The Ministry of Health in Kajiado County, in conjunction with other partners, screened over 200 residents for cancer in Loitoktok on Tuesday.
The exercise, which was conducted at Loitoktok Sub County Hospital, was sponsored by the County Government of Kajiado and supported by Beyond Zero, Women for Cancer, the Africa Cancer Foundation, Stanbic Kenya Foundation, and the National Health Insurance Fund.
While addressing the media during the exercise, Kajiado County Cancer Services Coordinator Sarah Naneu said the exercise was targeting three types of cancer: cervical, breast, and prostate cancer.
Ms. Naneu pointed out that the department has done ground mobilisation, hence the good turnout of residents.
The coordinator noted that screening is done and suspicious cases are referred to other partners who are doing follow-up for further management.
Ms. Naneu pointed out that cancer is a burden in the country and specifically in Kajiado County, adding that they are looking forward to a treatment centre to help those diagnosed with cancer or suspected cases of cancer.
The coordinator pointed out that from their screening of various types of cancer, cervical cancer is the leading cause of death in the county.
She appreciated the good relationship with partners, which has led to the success of the screening exercise, adding that this is the first time they are partnering with other stakeholders.
Ms. Naneu urged members of the public to turn out in large numbers for screening on Wednesday at Imbirikani Hospital.
Africa Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Noelle Otieno, said the foundation, which was founded 12 years ago, conducts cancer awareness as well as screening.
Mr. Otieno pointed out that they do screening for breast and cervical cancer, and so far they have done screening in 26 counties across the country, and Kajiado County is the latest county to visit.
He added that they partner with county governments as well as other partners in the line of health, specifically cancer.
Mr. Otieno echoed Naneu’s call for the residents of Loitoktok Sub County to turn out in large numbers for the free cancer screening exercise.
By Kimani Tirus
