KILELE Health Association has taken a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer in Embu County, in their Thamani Yetu project. On March 26, 2024, they donated hospital equipment valued at nearly 2 million Kenyan shillings to Ishiara Level 5 Hospital.

The donation occurred during a special ceremony held as part of the Ishiara Level 5 Hospital tour which served as a platform to showcase the refurbishment of the Antenatal Care Clinic, which has been painted, branded, and equipped specifically for cervical screening. This transformation aims to facilitate effective screening of women in the region, marking a crucial step forward in the battle against cervical cancer

Among the attendees were members of the County Health Management Team (CHMT), health officials, and esteemed guests, including Mr. Benjamin Kisilu, Chief Officer of Medical Services, Mr. Jamal Runyenjes, County Executive Committee of Embu County, and Ms. Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health Association.

During his introductory remarks, Mr. Gideon Gachihi, Project Officer at KILELE Health in Nairobi, provided an overview of the organization and outlined the objectives of the Thamani Yetu Project, which focuses on three key areas: raising awareness about cervical cancer, administering HPV vaccinations to girls, and conducting screenings for women using the HPV test.

“KILELE Health Association operates four programs, but our presence here today is solely dedicated to the Thamani Yetu project, which focuses on combating cervical cancer to ensure the well-being of women and girls in Kenya. Our objectives within the Thamani Yetu project are clear: we aim to educate 40,000 community members about cervical cancer, administer HPV vaccinations to 1,500 girls, and screen 1000 women with HPV tests across the county.”

He emphasized that their efforts against cervical cancer stem from its status as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 fatalities in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Every woman, irrespective of age, is susceptible to cervical cancer,” he stated. “The WHO’s data reveals it as the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022 alone.” He explained that the disease is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), after multiple reinfections over a span of 10 to 15 years

The WHO’s Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer aims to achieve significant milestones by the year 2030:

• Ensuring that 90% of girls are vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15.
• Screening 70% of women with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45.
• Ensuring that 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment.

Ms. Rita Njiru, a Project Officer at KILELE Health Association in Embu County emphasized that cervical cancer is preventable through HPV vaccination of girls aged between 9 and 14 years, HPV and cervical cancer screening for women aged between 35 and 45 years and treatment of precancerous lesions.Top of Form

Mr. Jamal Runyenjes underscored the crucial role of early detection and prevention in the fight against cervical cancer, highlighting its significance in improving women’s health outcomes.

During the ceremony, Ms. Benda Kithaka addressed the audience, stating that the primary objective of the donation was to enhance access to cervical screening services for vulnerable women.

“In the Thamani Yetu Project, our focus is on reaching out to women in underserved communities where access to healthcare services is limited. With the donated equipment’s, our healthcare providers in Embu now have the capacity to conduct screenings for over 500 women. Bringing these services closer to you allows for early detection and timely intervention, ultimately saving women’s lives,” she stated.

The donation consisted of essential medical equipment tailored specifically for cervical screening. Notable items included 2 Thermal Ablators, 5 Cartons of Vaginal Speculum, 10 bottles of Acetic Acid Solutions, and other crucial supplies such as cotton wool, maternity pads, and sterile and latex gloves.

Furthermore, information, education and communication materials such as Cervical Advocacy Guides and Breast Cancer Screening Flyers were distributed, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in combating these diseases.

Expressing appreciation for the donation, the CHMT pledged to effectively utilize the equipment’s’ to serve deserving women across the region. They are committed to addressing crucial healthcare needs by screening eligible women, thereby mitigating the burden of cervical cancer in the community.