By Peak Reporter
Latest national health reports have revealed that Kenya is losing 9 women daily to cervical cancer while over 3000 women die annually due to the disease that has been categorized as the world’s second killer disease.
Consequently, there are 5226 new cases of cervical cancer reported yearly in Kenya and 10 million people dying because of various types of cancer worldwide.
The Kenyan government says these statistics are gradually becoming dreadful with the ministry of health now emphasizing on more screening and early treatment to combat the rising cases that are now robbing the country of productive women.
According to the PS Public health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni there are worrying statistics that show the diagnosis of cervical cancer to women, more so at a late-stage spells doom for them.
“There is renewed vigor from the Government and different stakeholders to combat the rising cases of cervical cancer as the world commemorates cervical cancer month,” she added.
She was speaking in Nyandarua county where the country converged to mark the world cervical day after a month’s work of advocacy for women to get screened where she announced the development of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan in collaboration with ThinkWell.
This initiative will outline a costed action plan, an investment case, and an advocacy framework to accelerate Kenya’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
She also noted Kenya’s participation in the WHO AFRO Women Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) project, which enhances prevention, early detection, and management of breast and cervical cancers, NCDs, and mental health through a primary healthcare approach.
“As we mark the climax of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, our efforts must continue beyond today. Early screening, HPV vaccination, and timely treatment save lives. Let’s ensure every woman has access to these essential services,” said PS Muthoni.
PS Mary Muthoni said the ministry has also embarked on a programme targeting 14-year-old school going girls for vaccination as they are also at risk.
“We are targeting 90 % of girls under 14-year old in the country and we are calling upon the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the counties to be embark on sensitizing the public aggressively, she insisted.
Susan Macharia, a breast cancer survivor, turned screening advocate across Nyandarua, calling on the government to invest more resources in the Social Health Insurance to cater for cancer patients, noting, the burden is not only huge on a family, but the community at large
Kenyans have also been urged to register for the Social Health Insurance and to devoid engaging in propaganda surrounding the program.