Mama Lucy Hospital CEO Dr. Martin Wafula and BD Lead Roundtable on Strengthening Cancer Screening in Kenya
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BD has partnered with Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital under the leadership of CEO Dr. Martin Wafula to strengthen cancer screening services and improve access to high-quality diagnostic care, with a special focus on cervical cancer.
The partnership aims to curb the rising cases of cancer in Kenya by expanding screening programs and increasing awareness about early detection.
During a roundtable discussion held in Nairobi, key stakeholders, including medical experts, policymakers, and health sector leaders, discussed strategies to accelerate cancer elimination efforts.
Among the proposals put forward was the establishment of a cancer center at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
The stakeholders also emphasized the need to decentralize cancer screening services, ensuring that women in all parts of the country can access life-saving diagnostics without having to travel long distances.
Dr. Wafula stressed the need for mandatory cancer screening for women seeking medical check-ups, saying early detection is key to saving lives.
“Every woman who checks in for a medical examination should be screened for cancer as part of routine care. We must integrate education programs to ensure they understand the risks and benefits of early diagnosis,” he said.
The roundtable discussion also focused on several key strategies aimed at improving cancer screening services in the country.
One of the major points raised was the need to scale up cervical cancer screening programs using innovative technology to reach more women, particularly in underserved regions.
Stakeholders also discussed ways to secure funding for cancer screening services, including integrating them into Kenya’s social health insurance schemes to make them more accessible and affordable.
Dr. Joan Bor, the Head of the National Cancer Control Program at the Ministry of Health, called for sustainable policies to ensure cancer screening becomes a routine part of primary healthcare.
“We need to entrench cancer screening within Kenya’s primary healthcare system to ensure every woman has access to life-saving diagnostics,” she said.
Public-private partnerships were also highlighted as a critical factor in ensuring the success of cancer screening initiatives.
Participants in the discussion stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, hospitals, and private sector players to bridge financial and resource gaps in cancer care.
The conversation also drew insights from Denmark’s experience in cervical cancer screening, with experts sharing best practices that Kenya can adopt to improve its programs.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of reducing cancer-related deaths through early detection, enhanced screening programs, and improved access to treatment.
If implemented successfully, the proposed cancer center at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital could set a precedent for similar facilities across the country and play a crucial role in saving lives.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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