Aga Khan Hospital to offer cancer services in Homa Bay

Cancer patients in Homa Bay have received a boost following an agreement between the devolved unit and Aga Khan Hospital to offer cancer treatment in the country.

For several years, the patients had been forced to travel to either Eldoret or Nairobi to seek treatment.

Yesterday, however, Aga Khan Hospital confirmed it will offer cancer services at the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The services will be offered through a project dubbed East Africa Comprehensive Cancer Project (EA-CCP) and include cancer screening, vaccination and treatment through chemotherapy.

The project will run for four years.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Intrigues on Gachagua's party and fate of allied MPs
• 
  National Madaraka Day celebration on top gear in Homa Bay
• 
  Breaking new ground in cancer treatment with UK's first vaccine
• 
  County bets on value addition to drive up agribusiness

Governor Gladys Wanga and Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu branch’s Chief Executive Officer Jane Wanyama signed the MoU at the county headquarters.

Wanyama said EA-CCP will enable breast and cervical cancer screening.

The programme will also involve vaccination of girls against cervical cancer.

In the programme, health workers will be retrained on the management of cancer to improve human resources.

“We are also going to create awareness by promoting open conversations about cancer in the community,” said Wanyama.

"The response against cancer requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on raising awareness, improving access to screening services, and fostering community engagement. We want everybody to come on board to enable us to win the battle," added Wanyama.

Wanga said the project will save many lives. She said such deaths result from an inability to detect cancer at early stages.

“Cancer is a serious threat that claims the lives of many people. The availability of screening services will enable many people to know their cancer status early. This will enhance the efficacy of medication,” said Wanga.

She said the project will also cushion cancer patients from challenges resulting from seeking medication in distant health facilities outside the county.

“Availability of cancer medication services in our county is going to cushion residents from the high cost of medication,” said Wanga.