The government has today launched the cancer policy document and urged cancer patients to embrace and utilize the cancer centers and facilities in the country.
This comes as the country’s COVID-19 fatalities continue to rise with medics saying that most of the patients are persons with underlined conditions like cancer.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, contributing to seven per cent of all deaths.
While making the announcement, CAS Dr Rashid Aman said that the ministry has put in place chemotherapy centers and we will continue to support these centers with grants to continue service delivery.
Ten chemotherapy centers were established in January with Dr. Aman saying that the ministry will set up an additional five radiotherapy services in five hospitals in the areas of Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Garissa and Kisii.
The ministry will also launch a breast cancer screening pilot report after disseminating cancer screening guidelines to all 47 counties.
Dr. Aman has further urged parents to take their young girls for the HPV vaccine, saying the vaccine is safe.The National Cancer Institute estimates that 47,887 Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer every year and 32,987 patients die annually.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, contributing to seven per cent of all deaths.
As the cases continue to spike in the country, it is feared that almost 12 per cent of the Nairobi population could be exposed to the virus.
The ministry has however said the initial report from KEMRI that 2.6 million Kenyans might have coronavirus might not be representative.
Cases of COVID-19 in Kenya have hit the 7000-mark after 247 more people tested positive.
The new cases are from 4147 samples tested in the last 24 hours with Nairobi 153, Mombasa 35, Kajiado 15, Busia 12, Kiambu 12, Uasin Gishu 4, Machakos 4, Garissa 4, Murang’a 2, Nakuru 2, Siaya 2, Lamu 1, and Nyamira 1.
Nyamira is the latest country to report a COVID-19 Case bring the total counties with reported cases 42.
39 patients have however been discharged bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,148.
The ministry of health has issued a stop to the use of sanitation booths as a measure against the spread of COVID 19. According to Director General of Health Dr. Patric Amoth the booths do not add any value.
As the numbers continue to hit high, the ministry has said that the treatment cost for COVID-19 might be unbearable in recent days as the lowest cost for mild cases stands at 21,000.
Director General of Public Health Dr. Patrick Amoth said the major cost is from the Personal Protective Equipment adding that the home based care for COVID 19 patients still remains the most affordable option.