Stakeholders have been asked to work together in fighting the thorny issue of childhood cancer since 80% of cases are treatable when detected early.
Speaking during the hospital’s third annual cancer walk, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital CEO Robert Nyarango said that while it is estimated that there are 3,200 new cancer cases in Kenyan children every year, the number could be much higher.
This, he said, is because of underdiagnosis and under-reporting.
Nyarango called for urgent investment in childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment, emphasising the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to combating the disease.
“The fact that so many cases go without diagnosis and so many children die without accessing treatment should drive all of us to participate in initiatives that help mount a strong defence against cancer in children,” he said.
“We are grateful for the big turnout at the walk because it demonstrates Kenyans’ concern for their children and emphasises the importance of a coordinated fight against childhood cancer."
This year’s walk, held on Sunday, attracted over 2,000 participants.
“It is an honour to support such a good cause as we join efforts to alleviate unnecessary suffering by bringing lifesaving diagnosis and treatment to children who would have otherwise gone without. We are always keen on supporting such initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Kenyans,” Zamara Group CEO Sundeep Raichura said.
The third annual Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Family Cancer Walk, which is part of the Kenya Childhood Cancer Program, is aimed at reducing childhood cancer mortality.
Gertrude’s Hospital first held the cancer walk in 2019 and took a two-year break at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to resume in 2023.
The Kenya Childhood Cancer Program, launched in 2019, supports cancer diagnosis and treatment in children, as well as the training and upskilling of healthcare workers.
The program has so far trained over 200 healthcare workers across the country, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to identify cancer symptoms in children and provide lifesaving treatment.
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Head of Clinical Services Thomas Ngwiri emphasised the critical need to prioritise cancer diagnosis and treatment in Kenya.
“Each year, thousands of children suffer and die from cancer due to a lack of access to diagnosis and treatment. Funds raised will go a long way toward assisting some of the most vulnerable children,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents globally.
WHO estimates that children in low and middle-income countries such as Kenya only have a survival chance of 30 per cent, a stark contrast to the 80 per cent recovery rate in higher-income countries.
