Oncology nurses in the country now want the government to urgently invest in mental health for cancer professionals.
This, they said, will prevent burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compassion fatigue among other occupational stressors.
The Oncology Nurses Chapter Kenya (ONC-K) on Tuesday said the several cancer cases diagnosed in the country daily exert pressure on the nurses who are handling the cases taking a toll on their mental wellbeing.
ONC-K is the professional body of nurses working in oncology and palliative care committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care and is a member of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care.
ONC-K estimates note that there is the ever-rising burden of cancer in Kenya where more than 100 patients are diagnosed with cancer daily.
These have put pressure and a heavy demand on frontline cancer nurses who are the first point of contact for majority of the patients.
The demand for expertise, skills, and knowledge takes a heavy toll on oncology nurse’s mental health given that many patients present when it’s too late.
“Addressing human resource shortages, erratic drugs supply as well as implementing structured debriefing programmes is an urgent imperative for the national and county governments,” Roselyn Okumu said.
Okumu is the President of the Oncology Nurses Chapter.
“Counties with cancer centres should also provide clear mechanisms for oncology nurses' career growth and development,” Okumu added.
The Patron of the Oncology Nurses Chapter Kenya David Makumi said Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including cancer account for over 50 to 60 per cent of hospital bed occupancy.
Makumi noted that for the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Ministry of Health must include Oncology Nurses at all stages of the implementation plans.