NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has called for urgent investments from stakeholders in the fight against childhood cancer.
Speaking during the hospital’s third annual cancer walk over the weekend, the hospital’s CEO, Robert Nyarango, said such initiatives will help in childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to combating the disease, noting that 80 percent of cases can be cured when detected early.
“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,” 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,” he added.
“Each individual and organisation participating in the walk has increased our ability to save lives and alleviate suffering in many families across the country.”
This year’s walk attracted major sponsors, including Zamara Group, which was the title sponsor for the second year running, as well as over 2,000 participants from families, corporate entities, and government agencies.
Sundeep Raichura, Group CEO of Zamara, a financial services firm, reiterated that financial support for the walk and large community engagements will make healthcare more accessible and affordable to everyone across the country.
“It is an honour to support such a good cause as we join efforts to alleviate unnecessary suffering by bringing lifesaving diagnosis and treatment to children who would have otherwise gone without,” said Raichura.
“We are always keen on supporting such initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Kenyans.”
The Kenya Childhood Cancer Program was launched back in 2019, to support cancer diagnosis and treatment in children, as well as the training and upskilling of healthcare workers.
The program provides skills and knowledge for healthcare workers across the country on how to identify cancer symptoms in children and provide lifesaving treatment to reduce childhood cancer mortality.
