The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in partnership with the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the successful close-out of the Lung Cancer Care Phase 2 project and the launch of a vital new toolkit aimed at empowering patients and caregivers in the fight against lung cancer.
The initiative which began in 2022, sought to increase awareness of lung cancer, build capacity for healthcare workers at the primary health level, and equip caregivers with the necessary knowledge to support loved ones battling the disease.
Additionally, the project aimed to collect data for advocacy, enhance psychosocial support by forming support groups, and improve referral systems within the county’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at the project’s close-out and evaluation, Dr. Evans Kiprotich, the Director of Health Services, who represented Health Services County Executive Dr. Abraham Serem, emphasized that the toolkit launch was timely.
“This toolkit is critical in helping healthcare workers identify lung cancer, which often presents symptoms similar to those of Tuberculosis. This is especially important as we work to distinguish between the two diseases,” said Dr. Kiprotich.
The County has also taken proactive steps to improve diagnostics, with the installation of the Gene Expert machine at Turbo Sub-County Hospital where the innovative technology is designed to differentiate between TB and lung cancer, helping to improve the accuracy of diagnoses.
Dr. Kiprotich also highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection in the fight against cancer.
“Prevention is key and by reducing exposure to risk factors and advocating for lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce the incidence of cancers in our communities,” he added.
Does the community understand lung cancer?
David Musyoki, Executive Director of KEHPCA, further stressed the need for increased community sensitization on lung cancer noting that indoor pollution is a significant contributor to various cancers, including lung cancer.
“We must take the message to the community level, especially for individuals with respiratory symptoms because early referral and detection are essential,” Musyoki said.
Lawrence Murunga, AMPATH Project Manager, echoed Musyoki’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of tools like X-rays in early lung cancer identification by pointing out the importance of considering TB symptoms as potential signs of lung cancer and advocating for a more integrated approach to diagnosis.
As the initiative wraps up, the County Government of Uasin Gishu remains committed to increasing its efforts in cancer awareness, healthcare worker training, and providing critical support for patients and caregivers therefore the launch of the toolkit is a step forward in ensuring that lung cancer patients in Uasin Gishu receive the care and support they need to navigate the challenges of the disease.
This collaborative effort between Uasin Gishu County and KEHPCA represents a vital move towards improving cancer care in the region, ensuring that no patient is left behind in the fight against this deadly disease.
The workshop brought together participants from the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the National Cancer Control Programme, Healthcare workers, caregivers, persons with lived experiences, faith and spiritual leaders and community administrators.
