Nairobi – In a significant advancement for healthcare in Kenya, Kitui County has inaugurated a modern cancer care center at the Kitui County Referral Hospital, marking a crucial step in the countywide battle against cancer. The center, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, is primarily focused on addressing the increasing cases of breast and cervical cancer.
According to Kenya News Agency, the global cancer burden is on the rise, with 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths in 2020 alone. Low and middle-income countries, where resources for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are limited, accounted for 70% of these deaths. In Kenya, over 40,000 new cancer cases were reported in 2020, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancer being the most common.
Kitui County Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, represented by his deputy, Augustine Wambua Kanani, during the center’s opening, highlighted that the facility is set to bridge gaps in cancer and palliative care, especially for breast and cervical cancer patients. “This full-service cancer care setup here at the Kitui County Referral Hospital is a milestone achievement for our women and girls of reproductive age, as they can now access pre-cancer screenings, chemotherapy, and other cancer care and palliative care services,” Malombe stated.
The governor acknowledged the center as a testament to the county government’s commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. He noted that the facility would offer crucial diagnostic and treatment services, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for medical care.
Governor Malombe disclosed that Kitui County had seen an increase in new cancer cases since 2018, with a total of 958 cases reported. “However, our story does not have to be gloomy, as cancer is curable if detected early,” he added, emphasizing the importance of regular cancer screening.
Deputy Governor Kanani praised the adoption of telemedicine in Kitui, linking the cancer center to national, regional, and global centers of excellence. The county, in partnership with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), is connecting all 14 Level IV hospitals in Kitui through the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program.
Mary Beth Powers, President of CMMB, speaking at the opening ceremony, encouraged regular screenings for early cancer detection and treatment. “Cancer is not a death sentence, as evidenced by the numerous survivor testimonies,” she remarked.
The cancer care center is a collaborative effort, involving partners like the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, CMMB as the implementing agency, and the Kitui County Government. The project also received support from a grant by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
In Kenya, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer, and cervical cancer, while easily detectable and curable in early stages, has only seen a 16.4% screening rate among women aged 30-49 years. In Kitui County, cervical cancer accounts for nearly a quarter of all cancer cases in women. CMMB Kenya, with over 20 years of experience, has been addressing various health issues, including breast and cervical cancers, contributing to the strengthening of Kenyan health systems and staff skills.
The new cancer center in Kitui County is expected to significantly enhance the region’s healthcare capabilities, ensuring that the community has the necessary resources to fight this pervasive health challenge.