To tackle the rising cancer rate in the country, the Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced plans to expand the cancer care network within four regions to boost treatment.
Dr. Deborah Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health at the 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference in Kisumu, announced this development on Friday.
The conference was hosted by the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) with the theme “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World.”
The regional cancer centres are to be established in Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, and Nyeri.
The aims of the four centres are to assist the existing working facilities in Nakuru, Mombasa, and Garissa.
However, describing the goal of this development, its objective was to strategise in decentralising cancer treatment, decongest referral hospitals, and improve access to care for communities across the country.
Addressing this issue, Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment, noting that early detection, improved infrastructure, and the integration of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework will improve the fight against cancerous growth.
The Health Commissioner said implementing the cancer care packages in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) will improve patient financial expenses, oncology workforce, and diagnostic and treatment capacity.
Key attendees at the conference include KESHO Interim President Dr. Helena Musau, Conference Chair Dr. Njoki Njirani, National Cancer Institute of Kenya Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Elias Melly, among others.
Among other attendees are health experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
In another event, health leaders met to discuss advancing primary healthcare programme and improving service delivery within primary healthcare facilities in Kiambu County.
Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, paid a courtesy visit to the Kiambu Assistant County Commissioner, Mr. Wilson Mwangi, along with the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Elias Maina.
Muthoni hailed Kiambu for their effort in ranking the top five counties in Social Health Insurance (SHI) registration and emphasized its commitment to sustain UHC.
Among their important discussions are strategy maintenance in achieving 100% SHI registration, enhanced community engagement, leveraging technology, and strengthening collaboration between county and national government stakeholders.
Reaffirming government commitment, Muthoni said the government is working towards ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services to all Kiambu residents.
