Doctors raise concerns over cervical cancer in Ndhiwa's free medical camp

Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino interacts with residents who showed up for screening during the Constituency's free medical camp. [James Omoro, Standard]

Doctors conducting a medical screening in Ndhiwa constituency have raised concerns over suspected cervical cancer.

Dr Stephen Koskey, a Clinical Research Scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI said 10 per cent of the women who showed up for the screening during the free medical camp had shown signs of the disease.

"Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths. Those who have shown the suspected cases are going to be subjected to further screening to reveal if they are infected or not," Koskey said.

More than 5,000 residents were screened for chronic diseases and neglected tropical diseases.

The screening was under the Constituency's health program dubbed 'Ndhiwa Healthy Day Medical Camp'.

Key among the diseases which were addressed are jigger infestation which is a neglected tropical disease. The other ailments included cancer, eye diseases, diabetes and hypertension among many others.

The camp was organised by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino in collaboration with other various partners.

Patients with complicated infections were referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and Kisii County Referral Hospital in Kisii town respectively.

Owino said the medical camp aimed at improving the health status of his constituents.

"We want to have a Constituency where people are healthy and that is the reason for holding this camp here. So far we have made it an annual event which is held on the third week of August every year," the legislator said.

He said at the tail end, the camps seek to eliminate diseases as main triggers of poverty.

"A sick person can't contribute to economic growth. Our objective is to have a healthy community that can take care of itself," Owino said.

The Health Administrative Officer at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Silus Tarus said they decided to participate in the medical camp to enable people who are financially challenged to access their services.

"There are people who cannot travel to our facility in Eldoret. We have brought the services here to cushion them from expenditure on transportation. Patients with complicated diseases have been referred to our facility in Eldoret," Tarus said.

The residents were not only sensitized on jigger eradication but also key aspects on nutrition for their well-being.