Kenya is intensifying nationwide fight against cervical and prostate cancer, with a week-long medical camp in Ngiriambu, Kirinyaga County, recording an unprecedented turnout particularly among men seeking prostate cancer screening.

Traditionally, men have tended to show low interest and participation due to stigma and misinformation.

Cervical and Prostate Cancer Screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise, held at Ngiriambu Primary School, is being implemented by the ministry of health in partnership with the National Cancer Institute. The programme is part of activities to mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month that is intended to promote early detection, prevention and expanded access to life-saving cancer services at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the exercise, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni said the strong male participation signals a turning point in community attitudes towards men’s health. She attributed the shift to sustained public education and sensitisation efforts by the ministry of health.

“This is a very encouraging development. For many years, men avoided prostate cancer screening because of stigma and fear but what we are witnessing here shows that awareness is taking root and cultural barriers are gradually being broken,” Muthoni said.

She explained that early detection remains the most effective weapon against cancer, which continues to pose a major public health challenge in Kenya. The principal secretary revealed that more than 6,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with an estimated 3,500 deaths recorded each year, largely due to late diagnosis.

“We must stop losing lives because cancer is detected too late. When identified early, cancer is treatable and manageable. That is the message we are taking to every community,” she said.

Muthoni urged parents and guardians to ensure girls below the age of 14 receive the HPV vaccine, describing vaccination as a proven and powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. She noted that the vaccination programme is ongoing in schools across the country.

“Vaccination saves lives. Parents must take responsibility and ensure their daughters are fully protected,” she added.

The principal secretary further stated that the government is working to ensure at least 90 per cent of cancer patients access treatment. To achieve this, the national government is collaborating with county governments to equip public hospitals with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, in the hope it will reduce the burden of travelling long distances for specialised care.

She disclosed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has allocated Ksh800,000 for cancer treatment, a move aimed at easing the financial strain on patients and families battling the disease.

While encouraging Kenyans to utilise medical camps, Muthoni cautioned against waiting for outreach programmes to seek care. She urged the public to adopt routine hospital check-ups and regular screening as part of healthy living.

On community health delivery, she called on citizens to make use of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), noting that they are trained to offer basic services and referrals at the household level.

Muthoni also raised alarm over the growing misuse of drugs purchased over the counter without prescriptions, warning that pharmacies engaging in the illegal practice will face severe consequences.

“This dangerous trend has resulted in many avoidable deaths and must be stopped,” she said.

On policy reforms, the principal secretary said the Quality of Care and Patient Bill currently before the National Assembly seeks to strengthen patient rights and improve service delivery across health facilities.

She further expressed concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among the youth, saying the ministry is working closely with security agencies, including the NGAO team, to dismantle illicit drug networks and eradicate harmful local brews.

Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding cancer awareness, screening and treatment programmes nationwide, saying similar medical camps will continue to be rolled out to ensure no Kenyan is left behind.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By David Wandeto