Calls for screening and vaccination as Kenya registers nearly 27,000 cancer deaths yearly

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called on Kenyans to take the HPV vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer, as the country grapples with 42,000 cases of cancer every year. 

Speaking during a screening exercise at Raimu Primary School in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, the PS  said that the country is registering 27, 000 cancer deaths every year and thus the need to intensify the prevention measures.

Muthoni said that the ministry has taken the global strategy approach of 70:90:70, where 70% of girls aged 9 to 14 years are vaccinated, 90% of women are screened for early cancer detection while 70% of the identified cases are treated.

The PS called upon Kenyans of 40 years and below to take up the responsibility of getting screened for cancer saying that is the most productive age.

Muthoni also drummed up support for the new social health insurance saying that it will provide the cure for the treatment of most ailment. 

In Eldoret County, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) commemorated World Cancer Day, with medical practitioners citing late diagnosis as the major setback in war against cancer. 

Dr. Jessy Obakah, the director of oncology at MTRH identified prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer as the most prevalent, challenging Kenyans to seek regular screening.

At the same time, cancer survivors led by Mercy Osoro called on the government to strengthen involvement of cancer survivors program in social health insurance fund to assist them.

“There are some side effects that one lives with, we plead with government have a package to support survivors in the post-treatment phase,” Osoro said.