Homa bay County Governor Cyprian Awiti on Wednesday launched a special cancer clinic courtesy of County First Ladies’ Association (CFLA) and partners.
The ceremony that took place at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital was attended by six County First Ladies including Rocila Awiti (Homa Bay), Hellen Obado (Migori), Rosella Rasanga (Siaya), Elizabeth Ongwae (Kisii), Nazi Kivutha (Makueni) and Priscillah Oparanya (Kakamega). Other partners like Women for Cancer, Africa Cancer Foundation and Roche also attended.
Speaking at the ceremony, Awiti said that Homa Bay is now in a better position to fight cancer and appreciated CFLA for initiating the programme that will boost the health sector in the county.
“I would like to thank the CFLA for the kind of work they are doing in the fight against cancer by coming up with cancer clinics in different counties. Indeed, you are great ladies,” Awiti said.
The governor confirmed that his government has allocated Sh50 million in the 2022/2023 Financial Year to ensure the clinic is fully equipped and has enough qualified health personnel.
“My government has already put in place sh. 50 million to boost the clinic with enough equipment and qualified doctors. Therefore, I am calling upon our partners to assist us by increasing their financial aid,” said the governor.
The County first lady Rocila Awiti said that the cancer clinic launch was her dream come true.
“I am a happy woman today because my dream is being fulfilled. Each time I visited this facility for cancer screening, I would get touched by the testimonies of cancer patients, which made me approach CFLA for assistance in initiating this programme,” she said.
Mrs. Awiti lauded the County Department of Health headed by Prof. Richard Muga for working closely with CFLA in ensuring the programme is successful.
On behalf of other cancer warriors, Elizabeth Awuor, Chairperson Cancer Support Group Homa Bay County said that they are now relieved since they will no longer have to travel for long distances in search of such clinics and appreciated CFLA for the move.
“As cancer warriors, we have been having a lot of challenges including travelling for long distances just to get cancer management services which has drained us financially,” said Awuor.
By Brian Odhiambo and Sitna Omar
