Health Committee to engage stakeholders over rising Cancer cases

Committee Chairperson Dr James Nyikal (Seme) announced the resolution during a meeting on Tuesday after members of the House team raised an alarm over the high number of people dying from the disease.

During a session to adopt the committee schedule for April, members noted that action needs to be taken to reduce the number of cancer cases and also to create awareness about how to manage and prevent the disease.

“We need a serious national cancer dialogue. The dialogue should start by establishing the status of the disease, the national response, and the magnitude of the problem. As a committee, we are ready to spearhead the process with key stakeholders,” said Nyikal.

Earlier, Prof. Jaldesa Guyo (Moyale) and Dr Robert Pukose (Endebess), who are both medical doctors, observed that many people die from forms of the disease that can be cured if diagnosed early.

“We have forms of cancer that are preventable, such as cervical cancer. If, as a committee, in conjunction with female lawmakers, we champion early screening and uptake of the HPV vaccine, we will reduce the number of people affected by the disease,” noted Prof. Jaldesa.

Dr Pukose said there is a need to invest more in research and empower institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the National Cancer Institute to assess the types of cancer affecting people and their regional distribution.

“To understand the problem we are dealing with, we must examine the regional distribution of cancer and even narrow it down to specific types that may be prevalent in certain areas. We also need to engage institutions like KEMRI and consider increased funding for cancer research,” said Dr Pukose.

MP Julius Sunkuli (Kilgoris) and MP Cynthia Muge (Nandi) supported the calls for a national dialogue. They agreed that the disease requires a multi-agency and multifaceted approach, similar to how HIV and AIDS has been addressed after being first reported in the country in the late 1980's.