Turkana County’s First Lady, Mrs Lillian Ekamais led the county in marking the World Cancer Day with the rest of the world to raise awareness about cancer.
Celebrated every 4th of February, this year’s theme “Close the Care Gap”, is all about celebrating progress in its many forms that enable more cancer patients and their care givers to seek and receive the care they need and deserve.
Speaking during event, the County’s First Lady Lilian Ekamais emphasised the need to raise awareness on cancer to all corners of the county, but people waiting until its too late.
“There are four stages of cancer and stage one and two one can get treatment, but people wait until it is stage four when it is too late for treatment,” she said.
She further urged women to get screened for cervical cancer and spread the importance of screening to their fellow women.
County Chief Officer of Preventive and Promotive Health Peter Lomorukia stated that cancer is a fatal disease, but there is assistance and treatments available.
“Cancer screening can be conducted in all healthcare facilities and those diagnosed with cancer can get the treatment early,” he said.
He added that county government facilitated referrals, as part of management, for cancer patients to facility in Eldoret and beyond. He also reminded the member of the public that Lodwar County Referral Hospital also had a cancer centre that offers support to patients.
“The HPV [Human papillomavirus] vaccine is safe and now it is a government directive that all girls, aged 10 to 14 years, should be vaccinated to safeguard their lives,” he said.
Dr Bonventure Ameyo, Director of Preventive and Promotive, said that raising awareness about cancer has become critical as 80% of the cancer cases are diagnosed too late for the treatment to be effective.
He said preventable measures such as screening especially for the three common cancers breastfeed, cervical and prostrate were available. Dr Ameyo stated that the HPV vaccine was administered in two doses, six months apart.
Gabriel Lopodo, Deputy Director of Family Health, said that the county health department was aiming to have 90% of HPV vaccination coverage, 70% cancer screenings and put 90% of those with precancerous conditions on treatment.
In the speeches honoured guests stressed on the collective responsibility of the leaders and community raising awareness about cancer, early screenings and risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse.
Honoured guests included Hon Ruth Kuya (Member of County Assembly – Lodwar Township), Mr Jacinta Nakuleu, Josephine Walelo (Sub-county Director of Education – Turkana Central) Ooko Ayumba (Senior Assistant County Commissioner – Kerio Division).
The county chief officer appreciated the partners – Kenya Red Cross Society, USAID Imarisha Jamii, World Vision Kenya and Turkana University College – for their support and county health staff for organising the event.
He acknowledged the presence of the National Ministry of Education, led by Ms Walelo, as they would be working closely in the HPV vaccination campaign.
Via Governor’s Press Unit.