Specialists offer to help Kenya combat cancer

Cancer specialists in the US are keen to work with the Kenyan Government to help manage the killer disease in the country.

The Kenyan researchers want to engage the government in improving health care but say it is important the latter improve infrastructure.

“The Diaspora medics have approached me and are ready to support Kenya’s effort to improve and enhance health care and health services, especially the Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs)," said Kenya's ambassador to the US Elkanah Odembo when he visited Public Health minister Beth Mugo in Philadelphia, US.

"It is, however, critical that the Government of Kenya establish an infrastructure that would facilitate the engagement of Kenyan medics in the US."

Mrs Mugo, who has completed the first phase of preventive treatment for breast cancer in America, said she would soon table in Parliament the Cancer Prevention and Control Bill so that Kenyans can benefit from cancer prevention strategies.

The minister said she would liaise with her colleague in the Ministry of Medical Services Anyang' Nyong'o to tap into the Diaspora expertise and capacity in order to enhance Kenya’s health sector.

The collaboration would help manage cancer through prevention, early detection and prompt affordable treatment.

The two Ministries along with the Kenyan Embassy have engaged a number of US-based Cancer Institutions like the MD Anderson Cancer Centre, which will see Kenya benefit in cancer research, screening, control and prevention.

Prof Nyong'o and Mrs Mugo have come out publicly to say they have been diagnosed and treated for cancer. (READ: Health minister reveals cancer battle).

Mrs Mugo said sharing her experience would help to enlighten Kenyans on the importance of recognising possible warning signs of cancer and taking prompt action for early diagnosis and treatment.

The minister who is accompanied by her husband, Ambassador Nicholas Mugo, is due back from the US in a few weeks' time.