Uasin Gishu County Executive for Health Services, Joseph Lagat, has underscored the importance of cancer prevention as the cornerstone of reducing the disease’s burden.
He also revealed that the Department of Health is implementing measures to strengthen prevention and early detection.
Speaking during a Steering Group Meeting with delegates from Region Östergötland, Sweden, under the Equity in Cancer Care Project, Lagat said the county is committed to integrating cancer screening into routine medical camps and community health outreaches.
He noted that this approach will enhance awareness and encourage residents to embrace regular screening and early diagnosis.
“Prevention will sort out the cancers. We are working to establish strong measures on the ground to ensure this becomes a reality,” said Lagat, adding that community health promoters have been instrumental in sensitizing residents at the grassroots level.
What Swedish delegation said about Uasin Gishu’s primary healthcare
The visiting Swedish delegation, led by Andreas Westoo (Majority Leader), Kirsten Sjoberg (Opposition Representative), and Peter Berrgen (Head of Project), commended the county’s efforts in strengthening primary healthcare and promoting preventive health strategies.
They also highlighted the need to increase HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents as a key step in preventing cervical cancer.
Uasin Gishu County Assembly Majority Leader, Julius Sang, lauded the ongoing collaboration, noting that the partnership will significantly advance cancer prevention efforts.
“We must act with urgency. Too many lives have been lost to cancers that could have been prevented or treated early,” remarked Sang.
In addition, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Evans Kiprotich, reaffirmed the county’s shift toward primary care and community-level prevention, observing that challenges such as cultural barriers, stigma, and limited access to information continue to hinder early detection and diagnosis.
The delegation also toured Uasin Gishu County Hospital’s Oncology Clinic, Cancer Screening Unit, Lung/TB Clinic, and the Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital.
The Uasin Gishu–Östergötland partnership, supported under the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) framework, continues to champion equitable, preventive, and community-driven approaches to cancer care — paving the way for a healthier and more informed county.
