The Nyeri county government has received an Endoscopy machine worth Sh4 million from an Italian based non-governmental organization, Goal Smile.
The machine which was delivered to the Nyeri County Referral Hospital on Thursday will help in the diagnosis of cancer of the colon, stomach and the esophagus.
Speaking at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga, termed the arrival of the machine a huge milestone in the fight against cancer in the county. Kahiga said that the machine is set to drastically reduce the cost of diagnosis and also reduce the reliance of residents on private facilities by easing access to cancer screening and treatment services.
“We are excited because this machine will bring down the cost of diagnosis from Sh20,000 per session in private facilities to Sh2,500 per session at the County Referral Hospital. It will also go a long way in helping us achieve Universal Health Coverage by ensuring our Nyeri populace is receiving affordable and good healthcare,” stated Kahiga.
A report released by the Ministry of Health revealed that Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Embu counties had the heaviest cancer burden in the country. These findings were backed by an internal research conducted by the County Health Department in 2022 which showed that cancer was the leading cause of illness and death in the county.
The county research showed that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the county among women aged between 35 and 54 years followed by cancer of the esophagus and prostate.
Further, at least 55 new cancer cases were recorded every month at the County Referral Hospital while the chemotherapy centre handled a total of 600 cases in a month.
While acknowledging the cancer burden in the county, Kahiga underscored the importance of early detection in the fight against the disease. He at the same time urged residents to utilize the state of the art screening machine by going for early cancer screening.
“Four doctors have been specially trained on how to use this specific equipment. It is crucial for us to join forces in the fight against this disease and work together to raise awareness, promote early detection and support those battling Cancer,” stated Kahiga.
By Wangari Mwangi
