'The cancer menace has left several families devastated. We must now devise workable strategies of lowering the burden'
Kenya needs to adopt new strategies in tackling the cancer burden, Ida Odinga has said.
Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday, Ida said there was need for collaborative and concerted efforts to reduce cancer burden.
She expressed concern over the increasing cancer cases, saying it now requires the involvement of all Kenyans, government agencies and the international partners to reverse the trend.
“The cancer menace has left several families devastated. We must now devise workable strategies of lowering the burden,” Ida said.
She spoke during the launch of a cancer screening clinic at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“We should encourage our people to go for early checkups,” she said.
She said early diagnosis and efficient management of cancer and awareness campaigns should be extended to local churches and community gatherings.
The clinic was established courtesy of empower project being driven under the County First Ladies Association (CFLA). The association seeks to promote prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and education of women in the community on cervical and breast cancer.
It aims at developing and creating cancer screening clinics, advocating in counties to prioritise cancer care and treatment.
CFLA chairperson Nazi Kivutha (Makueni) said they intend to reach all counties by 2022. She said the project, initiated in June, was being piloted in eight counties.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o called for strong preventive healthcare systems in the country, saying it is key in tackling the cancer burden.
edited by peter obuya