By Our Reporter
Nyeri County is among five devolved units that are currently benefiting from a unique initiative which is aiming at raising awareness of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oesophagus (OSCC).
The county acting Health CEC, Robert Thuo on Tuesday hosted a team from the University of Manchester, Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), led by Dr. Marion Kiguoya, Deputy Director Research and Clinical Trials at KUTRRH, where they deliberated on areas of collaboration.
There has been a unique partnership between The University of Manchester, The Christies NHS Foundation Trust, and KUTRRH, which is aiming at raising awareness of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oesophagus (OSCC) in the country and increase engagement in public screening opportunities using mobile detection units that travel across the county.
Other counties benefiting are Kiambu, Kisii, Meru, and Nakuru.
According to the International Agency for cancer research, Osopharyngeal Carcinoma is the 3rd most common cancer in Kenya and the most lethal; 99% of the patients die from this disease within 5 years.
This can be attributed to the late diagnosis of OSCC patients in their advanced incurable stages of the disease.
The team’s objective was to familiarize themselves with the Nyeri County Health Care system and the Department’s specific need gaps in cancer matters and identify areas of partnership like bridging cancer screening across the county. It is worth noting that the organization will establish small screening facilities across the county, which will ensure that services are accessible to most residents, as well as utilize Community Health Volunteers (CHV) for referrals at the community level.
This initiative will enhance early screening as detection of OSCC and strengthen a good Referral system between the County and KUTRRH.
The team later paid a courtesy call to Dr. Pauline Kamau, the Medical Superintendent at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital.
Also present were Prof. Janelle Yorke, Prof. David Wedge, Rachael Chawn, Kate Stirling, and Susaizzane Johnson, all from the University of Manchester, and Dr. Chris Ouma, Rose Nteere, Njeru Mbugua, Charity Hinga, Chris Ouma and Feisal Haji from KUTRRH, as well as Chief Officer Health, Mr. Ibrahim Adan, Director Health, Dr.Nelson Muriu and members of the CHMT.