Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has called for collective action to fight against childhood cancer, noting that 80% of cases are treatable when detected early. While it is estimated that there are 3,200 new cancer cases in children, in Kenya, very year, the number could be much higher because of underdiagnosis and under-reporting.
Speaking during the hospital’s third annual cancer walk on Sunday, 17 March, the Hospital’s CEO, Dr Robert Nyarango, called for urgent investment in childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment, emphasising the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to combating the disease.
“The fact that so many cases go without diagnosis and so many children die without accessing treatment should drive all of us to participate in initiatives that help mount a strong defence against cancer in children,” Dr Nyarango said. “We are grateful for the big turnout at the walk because it demonstrates Kenyans’ concern for their children and emphasises the importance of a coordinated fight against childhood cancer. Each individual and organisation participating in the walk has increased our ability to save lives and alleviate suffering in many families across the country.”
