Kenya should have a central cancer registry to capture and integrate incidences from all hospitals - private and public - for the informed decision-making process.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui says the database will give accurate trends on cancer cases, types, risk factors and deaths over time for effective interventions.
The governor was speaking when he met departmental heads and specialists at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital on Friday where Nakuru County is setting up one-stop cancer unit.
“As a country, we need a central cancer registry to capture and integrate incidences from all hospitals. This will give accurate trends on cancer cases, types, risk factors and deaths over time for effective interventions,” he said.
He said the county has set aside a budget for health workers’ training and promotions to align the workforce with better healthcare management.
He noted that revenue accrued from healthcare facilities in the county has increased by over 35 per cent in the last year and will go a long way in improving services.
Cancer is the third highest cause of death in Kenya with 7 per cent of deaths per year, after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
Globally, cancer causes more deaths than HIV, TB and Malaria combined with 30 per cent of cancers being curable if detected early.
In Kenya, currently, it’s only Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital that offers comprehensive cancer treatment and management.
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