Embu and Beyond Zero Foundation Collaborate to Combat Cervical and Breast Cancer

In a significant move to address the rising cases of cervical and breast cancer, Embu County has launched a three-year partnership with the Beyond Zero Foundation. This collaboration, named the ‘Beyond Zero Cervical Cancer Management Project,’ is set to transform cancer care and prevention in the region with the ambitious goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2030. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the screening, awareness, and treatment of cervical and breast cancer, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services remains limited.

The programme’s first year will focus on the wards of Ruguru Ngadori, Nginda, and Gaturi North in Mbeere North Subcounty. During this period, the county targets reaching approximately 5,000 women. The central hub for this initiative will be Kairuri Level Three Hospital, which will offer a comprehensive range of services including screening, treatment, referral, and linkage services tailored to the needs of the target population. County CEC for Health, Jamal Runyenje, emphasized that building the capacity of healthcare providers is a key component of the programme. The goal is to ensure that healthcare workers are well-trained to deliver continuous education and community sensitization on the prevention and management of cervical and breast cancer.

Runyenje highlighted that the initiative would significantly enhance the skills of healthcare providers, enabling them to offer effective screening and treatment services. The aim is to create a sustainable framework for cancer prevention, focusing on educating and equipping Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and the broader community. “Through the acceleration of these activities and with support from partners, our ultimate goal is to eliminate cervical cancer in Embu by 2030,” Runyenje stated. This vision underscores the commitment of the county and its partners to tackling one of the most pressing health challenges facing women in the region.

The launch event saw Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo praising the initiative as both timely and crucial. Mugo pointed out that the burden of cervical cancer is especially heavy in rural areas where access to screening and treatment is often limited. Cervical cancer, which is the second most prevalent cancer among women, poses a significant health threat in these underserved regions. Mugo emphasized that the programme is not just about providing medical services but about saving lives, preserving families, and ensuring that no woman faces this battle alone.

To complement the screening efforts, the county plans to ensure widespread access to the HPV vaccine, which is a key preventive measure against cervical cancer. According to county statistics from July 2024, 68% of girls aged 9-15 have received the HPV vaccine, 26.8% of women aged 25-49 have been screened, and 32.3% of those with precancerous lesions have received treatment. These statistics reflect ongoing efforts but also highlight areas where further progress is needed.

Beyond Zero Foundation representative Jane Kiragu underscored the vital role of CHPs in this initiative. CHPs will be instrumental in reaching out to women at the grassroots level with vital messages on the importance of prevention and regular screening. Their work will help bridge the gap between healthcare services and communities, ensuring that more women benefit from the programme.

Additionally, Kilele Health Association, a key partner in the initiative, has been running a similar programme known as ‘Thamani Yetu’ in the county. Executive Director Benda Kithaka noted that cervical cancer is entirely preventable if detected early. She emphasized the need for increased advocacy to raise awareness about risk factors, prevention methods, and access to screening and treatment services. Kithaka also highlighted the importance of building a network of cancer survivors who can act as navigators, providing support, inspiration, and guidance to those in need of further treatment and follow-ups.

This collaborative effort between Embu County and Beyond Zero Foundation represents a comprehensive approach to combating cervical and breast cancer, combining preventive measures, education, and treatment to create a robust and sustainable healthcare framework. The ultimate goal of this initiative is not only to improve cancer care but to achieve the ambitious target of eliminating cervical cancer in Embu by 2030, setting a model for other regions to follow.