The government has underscored its commitment to decisively deal with the cancer burden which remains the third leading cause of death in Kenya after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
Speaking in Nakuru County during celebrations to mark the National cancer survivors’ day, Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache said the Ministry of Health has already designed a national cancer control strategy to guide the country in putting in place specific interventions toward cancer prevention and control based on existing risk factors and available resources.
She observed that the cancer burden is rising globally, exerting significant strain on the population and health systems adding that the ten Cancer regional centers in Embu, Meru, Kakamega, Kisumu, Bomet, Garissa, Machakos, Mombasa, Kakamega, and Nakuru are currently operational and providing chemotherapy and surgical services.
Celebrated on every 1st Sunday of June, the National cancer survivors’ day is commemorated globally to honor cancer survivors and to show that there is the hope of living beyond a cancer diagnosis.
As part of the celebrations, the PS commissioned the Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital Regional Cancer Centre as part of ongoing efforts by the government to realign its healthcare system with a focus on realizing Universal Health Coverage.
The PS at the same time launched the accelerated Covid-19 vaccination campaign in Nakuru County in the wake of a rise in new cases across the country. She urged patients to ensure they have been fully vaccinated saying Covid-19 disease has particularly serious consequences for cancer patients.
