Francis Wambugu Irungu In a significant move to improve cancer care in Kenya, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, attended a cancer screening camp on January 30 2025, bringing attention to the ongoing Cancer awareness initiatives. The screening camp, which has been operational throughout the week, witnessed a substantial turnout of community members’ eager to access vital health services.
This event, held during Cancer Awareness Month, underscores the government’s commitment to public health and the urgent need for widespread cancer screening among the population.During her address at the camp, Muthoni emphasized the vital role that preventive measures, particularly vaccination and screening, play in the fight against cancer. She highlighted the importance of administering the HPV vaccine to girls under the age of 14, a program currently being implemented in primary and secondary schools across the country. This vaccination is crucial for preventing cervical cancer, which is one of the leading cancers affecting women in Kenya.
“We are walking patients, it is important to know your status by screening,” Muthoni stated, urging attendees to take advantage of the healthcare services provided at the camp. She reaffirmed that early detection is key to successful treatment, noting that available treatment options have improved. “Early detection saves lives,” she added, encouraging individuals to prioritize their health and undergo screenings regularly.
Muthoni also announced that the government has enhanced the SHA package, aiming to make cancer treatment more accessible. “We have eight hundred thousand set aside for cancer patients, and it is now incorporated in SHA,” she revealed.This financial support is expected to ease the financial burden on patients and improve their access to necessary treatments.
The move comes in response to alarming statistics: approximately 6,000 women in Kenya are diagnosed with cancer each year, and sadly, about 3,500 of them lose their lives to the disease. By increasing funding and support for cancer patients, the government hopes to reduce these numbers significantly.
In addition to promoting cancer awareness and prevention, Muthoni also addressed the critical issue of self-medication, which poses a significant threat to public health. She warned that self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance, which complicates treatment efforts for various diseases.”I urge pharmacy owners to act responsibly by requiring prescriptions or lab tests before dispensing drugs,” she stated, highlighting the importance of safeguarding public health in the process.
The PS’s remarks come amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal pharmacies that operate without proper licenses or protocols, further jeopardizing public health. By enforcing compliance and promoting responsible practices in both healthcare and pharmacy sectors, the government aims to enhance the overall health landscape in Kenya.
