The county government of Kisumu joined the world in celebrating the world cancer day, an annual event that is observed every 4th of February.
The World Cancer Day 2019, themed ‘I Am and I Will’ was marked by a procession that was flagged off from the JOOTRH to the West End Mall where screening exercise for all cancer conditions was performed with the aim of creating Cancer Awareness among Kisumu residents.
Cancer survivors, patients and well-wishers, including Aga- Khan hospital, KMTC students from Lake Victoria campus, County health officials and Kisumu hospice participated in the walk earlier today as the band led the team and as slogans and encouragement rented the air.
Speaking during the event, the County clinical officer Mr. Charles Ngwalla noted that early detection of cancer helps in treatment as well as reduce the costs involved in treatment. Mr. Ngwalla also affirmed that the County government intends to work together with all the stakeholders to ensure Radiotherapy can easily be accessed within the County, adding that Radiotherapy service will minimize patient’s movement in search for care.
“With the Universal Health Care, services will be brought closer as a sign to this commitment, added Mr. Ngwala.”
According to Dr. Alfred Mayan from Agha Khan hospital, healthy living revolves around a balanced diet, exercise, regular check up that will help in detection of upcoming infections. He urged the public to avoid drug abuse as this leads to bad health. He went ahead to encourage the general public to embrace daily exercise to keep fit.
“Red meat intake as well as too much intake of vegetable oil also leads to cancer infection”. Mrs. Vilembo Olivia a nutritionist from Agha Khan hospital reiterated the need for balanced diet as this would lower chances of infection.
Also present were stakeholders from the central bank of Kenya, Kenya Revenue authority, KenGen, Kenya power and lighting company and the Tumaini La Maisha leadership initiative.
By Benter Queen
Edited by Matilda Atieno
Cancer survivors, patients and well wishers joined the procession from JOOTRH to West End mall as Kisumu marks World Cancer Day 2019
