The First Lady of Kakamega County, Prof. Janet Kassily Barasa, has termed cervical cancer a silent killer among women and urged them to go for regular screening for early detection and treatment.
She noted that cervical cancer has led to the deaths of countless women worldwide, yet the disease can be treated only if precautionary measures are taken by women through screening.
Mrs. Barasa made the remarks yesterday at Kenya Medical Training Institute (KMTC) at Shianda in Mumias Sub County during the marking of World Contraceptive Day.
She affirmed that as the county government strives to provide contraceptives to women, efforts must also be made to avail cancer screening services across all medical facilities in the county.
She pledged to upscale cancer screening and treatment efforts among both men and women.
Mrs. Barasa at the same time warned some men in the county against impregnating or marrying off young girls, saying they would face stiffer penalties.
She told such men to leave young girls to concentrate on their studies.
“Stiffer penalties will be taken against any man, regardless of their status in society, found involved in such vices,” she warned.
She said a lot of efforts must be put in place by all stakeholders to curb the prevalence of teen pregnancies, which stood at 12,057 in 2022, according to the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS).
Prof. Barasa, at the same time, termed stigma and discrimination as major issues against successful HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
“Afya Yetu, Jukumu Letu” (Our Health, Our Responsibility) was the slogan for this year’s World Contraceptive Day.
World Contraceptive Day takes place on September 26 every year to improve awareness of contraceptive methods available and enable young couples to make informed decisions.
By George Kaiga
