KWALE: Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer in Kenya, with more than 7,200 new cases reported annually, Health Cabinet Secretary Debora Barasa announced. The government’s focus is on implementing Universal Health Coverage and the Social Health Authority to reduce mortality rates and enhance comprehensive care.
According to Kenya News Agency, Barasa emphasized the importance of public engagement in combating cancer by registering with the Social Health Authority for free primary healthcare services and ensuring regular cancer screenings. Breast cancer is increasingly a concern for health authorities, necessitating enhanced awareness and routine screening to promote early treatment and prevention.
Barasa’s remarks came during the commissioning of a multimillion-shilling oncology center in Kwale County. She urged all 47 devolved governments to establish new cancer healthcare centers to improve accessibility and expedite cancer response and treatment, given the current strain on medical facil
ities. The national government is expanding cancer medicine services across the healthcare system to meet rising demand.
The Health CS also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for an Intensive Care Unit and Renal Unit at the Kinango subcounty hospital, highlighting their importance in providing critical care and addressing kidney-related health issues. “This new modern oncology center is a major milestone in our fight against cancer, ensuring lifesaving cancer care is accessible and affordable for the people of Kwale and surrounding regions,” Barasa stated.
Governor Fatuma Achani of Kwale underscored the financial hardships caused by cancer treatment costs and the lack of resources to mitigate these effects. She expressed optimism that the new ultramodern center will transform cancer care for coastal county patients by housing all oncology services under one roof and offering free healthcare to residents.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governors Anne Waiguru, Wavinya Ndeti, Susan Kihika,
Cecily Mbarire, and Gladys Wanga, as well as Devolution Principal Secretary Teresiah Mbaika and CEO Council of Governors Mary Mwiti.