Kwale County will build an Oncology centre for cancer patients in 2020/2021 financial year, says the Chief Officer for Health Services.
Speaking at cancer awareness and screening exercise at Mvindeni Dispensary in Ukunda ward, Dr. Salim Mbete who is the County Chief Officer for Health services said there is need to prepare more people for the deadly disease after statistics revealed a mass increase of cancer patients in Kwale County since 2013 where 209 cases were reported and 540 cases in 2019.
“A comprehensive cancer centre brings together a critical mass of people, experts who devote their life’s work to fighting cancer, It’s not about the building or the technology instead it is the people and their collective expertise all focusing on the same problem, each from a different perspective, let us join hands and support the county Government in ensuring a safe community around us,” said Dr. Mbete.
Dr. Mbete also noted that by addressing challenges of cancer, the comprehensive cancer control centre will be designed to reduce number of cancer cases and deaths and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients through evidence based strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
The medic said cancer is curable once it is detected in early stages and advised people to go for appropriate screening whenever they see unusual growth in their body.
The event also offered a number of medical services, including free cancer screening, free HIV testing and counseling, blood donation among others.
The county organised the medical camp to raise awareness on various types of cancers since the disease has caused financial crisis to many families.
Also present at the function were County Chief of Staff, Rodgers Chimega, the Sub County Medical Officer, Dr. Kelvin Nduhiu and other county officials.
By Hussein Abdullahi
