By Kelvin Sang, Eldoret
The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the successful conclusion of the Lung Cancer Care Phase 2 project and the launch of a vital new toolkit designed to empower patients and caregivers in the fight against lung cancer.
Launched in 2022, the initiative aimed to raise awareness of lung cancer, build healthcare workers’ capacity at the primary health level, and equip caregivers with essential knowledge to support their loved ones battling the disease.
Additionally, the project sought to collect data for advocacy, enhance psychosocial support through the formation of support groups, and strengthen referral systems within the county’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking during the project’s close-out and evaluation, Dr. Evans Kiprotich, the Director of Health Services—representing Health Services County Executive Dr. Abraham Serem—emphasized the importance of the toolkit’s launch.
“This toolkit is crucial in helping healthcare workers identify lung cancer, which often presents symptoms similar to tuberculosis. Distinguishing between these two diseases is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Kiprotich.
The county has also made strides in improving diagnostics, including the installation of a GeneXpert machine at Turbo Sub-County Hospital. This advanced technology enhances the ability to differentiate between tuberculosis and lung cancer, ensuring more accurate diagnoses.
Dr. Kiprotich further highlighted the significance of prevention and early detection in the fight against cancer.
“Prevention is key. By reducing exposure to risk factors and advocating for lifestyle changes, we can significantly lower cancer incidence in our communities,” he added.
David Musyoki, Executive Director of KEHPCA, stressed the need for increased community sensitization on lung cancer, noting that indoor pollution is a significant contributor to various cancers, including lung cancer.
“We must take this message to the community level, especially for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms. Early referral and detection are essential in improving treatment outcomes,” Musyoki said.
Lawrence Murunga, AMPATH Project Manager, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of diagnostic tools such as X-rays in early lung cancer detection. He also advocated for a more integrated approach to diagnosis, urging healthcare providers to consider tuberculosis symptoms as potential indicators of lung cancer.
As the initiative concludes, the Uasin Gishu County Government remains committed to enhancing cancer awareness, training healthcare workers, and providing crucial support to patients and caregivers. The launch of the toolkit marks a significant step toward ensuring that lung cancer patients in Uasin Gishu receive the care and assistance they need to navigate the challenges of the disease.
This collaboration between Uasin Gishu County and KEHPCA represents a major advancement in cancer care within the region, ensuring that no patient is left behind in the fight against this deadly disease.
The workshop brought together participants from the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, the National Cancer Control Programme, healthcare workers, caregivers, individuals with lived experiences, faith and spiritual leaders, and community administrators.
