Isiolo embarks on championing cancer screening after exit of NGOs

The burden of cancer has been rising over the past few decades and it is projected that by 2030, more than 13 million deaths annually will be due to cancer.

Of the deaths, 75 per cent will occur in low- and middle-income countries.

As highlighted in the National Cancer Control Strategy, 2017-2022, cancer is one of the major non-communicable diseases and combined with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, causes over 60 per cent of total global mortality annually.

In Kenya, cancer ranks third as a cause of death after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Just last week, the National Cancer Control Programme stated that 42,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Kenya annually, with 27,000 deaths being reported.

To create awareness, the Ministry of Health is planning to spend Sh2.3 billion on screening programmes.

To assist in the early detection, Isiolo governor’s wife Habiba Galgalo is now championing screening of breast and cervical cancer.

Hundreds of women in Isiolo county underwent cervical and breast cancer screening on Monday at Bulapesa Health Centre in an exercise spearheaded by Habiba.

In an interview with the Star, Habiba said cancer burden is heavily felt in Isiolo, hence the reason for the screening.

“Most people come late with symptoms and this has necessitated screening and awareness. We have cervical and breast cancer leading in morbidity and mortality rates, cervical cancer is leading in death,” she said.

Habiba said there is very low screening coverage in the county. An average of 30 mothers undergo screening monthly at the Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital against a target of 805.

“My people should understand why early detection is key because it’s curable. Late detection is fatal and expensive to manage. That is why I’m spearheading this exercise today,” Habiba said.

She said she chose to spearhead the screening drive of breast and cervical cancer because in Kenya, nine women die daily of cervical cancer.

This, however, is not the first cancer programme in Isiolo.

Habiba said other screening drives were previously spearheaded by non-government organisations but they have exited.

She promised to make the screening a regular exercise to reach as many women as possible.

Cancer awareness campaigns and county cancer walks and run will be some of the ways Habiba will use to reach out to more women.

“Through my office, I will integrate cervical and breast cancer screening as a routine in comprehensive outreach service with a mobile clinic truck,” she said.

“Also will be doing radio talks and meetings with the help of local media to reach more women.”

Habiba said cancer screening will be integrated as routine outreach services monthly in all subcounties.

For better reach, Habiba will have at least 60 healthcare workers trained on cervical and breast cancer screening in the county.

“We are keen in covering Ngaremara, Daaba, Kina, Garbatulla, Merti, Oldonyiro and Kipsing. The service is integrated as routine services despite poor uptake,”  she added.

Her office is also intending to do partner mapping and resource mobilisation to make the programme a success.

“To me, it’s service to humanity and service to humanity is service to God and my office will team with all stakeholders in undertaking this programe,” Habiba said.     BY THE STAR