Kenya has received a boost in diagnosing breast cancer after Japan handed over a mammography machine to AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kiambu.
The private hospital is a Level 5 facility.
Japanese envoy Okaniwa Ken said the country is committed to supporting Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage as reflected by Sh12 billion Japan’s health sector policy loan.
“The grant assistance to supply a mammography machine and other medical equipment manufactured by Japanese companies will enhance cancer control in Kenya,” Ken said on Wednesday.
"Based on the memorandum of cooperation in health care and wellness under the Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative, I look forward to expanding the use of Japanese medical supplies in the country.”
The project has supported the establishment of regional cancer screening clinics across the country by enhancing equitable distribution of screening and early detection equipment and services.
The project provided other medical equipment to 22 hospitals and medical institutions.
The machine takes images of a patient's breasts to detect any tumours or other tissue abnormalities that may be signs of breast cancer.
Regular mammograms are the best way to diagnose breast cancer in women who do not have any symptoms.
In Kenya, cancer is the third leading cause of death and accounts for seven per cent of overall national mortality.
More than 80 per cent of cases are often presented in advanced stages mainly due to a lack of access to screening services.
The Ministry of Health has launched the National Cancer Control Strategy 2017-2022.
The strategy advocates and develops capacities for effective interventions across the whole continuum of care.
This includes screening, diagnosis, treatment, supportive, palliative, and survivorship care for cancer patients.
According to the 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, only 14 per cent of women of reproductive age have ever been screened for cervical cancer while 10 per cent have ever been screened for breast cancer.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
