Trans Nzoia county is recording an increase in cases of cervical cancer.
County's reproductive health coordinator Betty Khaemba has called for concerted and urgent efforts to address the growing cervical cancer crisis in the region.
She said more than 200 cases of cervical cancer have been reported within the last one year, and that the county was working with other health stakeholders to boost screening capacity of health centres in the county.
“We have to intensify screening in all our hospitals so that we have early detection and intervention through our healthcare system,” Khaemba said.
Esther Jarenga who heads the palliative unit in the county said more than 400 cancer patients had sought assistance at the county referral hospital since last year.
She stressed the urgent requirement for a dedicated cancer unit, as the current facility in Kitale was overwhelmed by the high patient volume. The challenges were the main focus during the recent commemoration of this year's World Cancer Survivors Day in Kitale.
Due to the lack of a nearby medical facility to handle cancer in the region, many patients have had to travel to Eldoret and other regions seeking medication.
Dr Jarenga called upon the county government to allocate additional resources to cancer treatment and screening at all health facilities in Trans Nzoia.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's spouse Lilian Natembeya, urged residents to prioritise their health by regularly undergoing cancer screenings at health centres.
She emphasised the importance of early detection and effective treatment in achieving successful handling of the cancer problem.
She expressed her commitment to advocating for proper care for cancer patients in the county, noting the immense suffering caused by the disease and the resulting financial hardships faced by affected families.
She encouraged cancer survivors to actively raise awareness about the disease.
“Being diagnosed with cancer does not define an individual's life. Early detection is a crucial factor in saving lives and that is why we urge that we all go for screening at the earliest time.”
To support cancer survivors, the county has implemented various initiatives, including survivorship clinics that offer personalised care initiatives tailored to individual needs.
Zakayo Apwach who is a cancer survivor, expressed disappointment over the lack of facilities to handle cancer cases within the county. He urged Natembeya’s administration to promptly address the challenges faced by cancer patients.
Apwacha also voiced concerns about the inefficiency of the NHIF in providing assistance to cancer patients.
“Many patients now rely on financial support from family and friends due to inadequate coverage by NHIF. The financial burden on cancer patients is unbearable,” he said.
-Edited by SKanyara