Uasin Gishu gets modern equipment to boost war on breast and cervical cancer

County health executive Joseph Lagat said cancer was a major burden to the healthcare system and needed joint stakeholders effort to tackle it.

The county received five thermo-ablators, loop electrosurgical excision procedure machines and colposcopy units, which are key in the fight against the disease.

The equipment was a donation from the Global Advocacy for Women’s Needs (Gawn), in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The donation was presented during a county cancer screening and treatment workshop attended by health officials, medical professionals and key partners.

Speaking during the event, Lagat expressed his appreciation, saying the equipment marks a milestone in the county’s fight against breast and cervical cancers.

 “Previously, our health facilities did not have the capacity to treat breast and cervical cancers. With this support, we are now in a position to begin treatment right here in Uasin Gishu. This is a game changer,” he said.

Lagat said with the equipment and training provided, the county would surpass its targets and reach more women in need.

The new machines will be distributed across selected health facilities in the county, strengthening early detection and treatment capacity for cervical cancer—one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya.

Lilian Genga, representing the National Cancer Control Programme, emphasised the importance of early intervention and training for health workers.

“Reducing the cancer burden in the country starts with sensitising healthcare workers on proper screening and management procedures. Early detection of pre-cancerous lesions through screening gives us the best chance of treating and even preventing cervical cancer,” she said.

The initiative forms part of a one-year national project targeting the screening of 50,000 women across Uasin Gishu and Machakos counties.

It aims to expand access to life-saving screening and treatment services, particularly in underserved areas.

Lagat said the collaboration between Gawn, the Ministry of Health and the county government underscored a shared commitment to advancing women’s health and reducing the impact of cancer nationwide—offering renewed hope and healing to thousands of Kenyan women.

He said Governor Jonathan Bii was keen to ensure residents access quality healthcare services, including in rural areas.

Lagat said the donation of cancer equipment would boost access to quality health services by residents in the region.