The County Government of Lamu is advancing plans to establish a Basic Cancer Treatment Centre, a critical step toward addressing the increasing cancer burden affecting residents in the county and across Kenya.
On Tuesday, Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr Mbarak Mohamed, hosted a high-level delegation from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), led by Dr Nashat Fadhloon, Head of the Cancer Prevention and Control Directorate, to strategise the development of this transformative healthcare facility.
The meeting focused on selecting an optimal site for the cancer centre and defining actionable steps to bring the project to life.
This initiative, prioritised by Governor Issa Timamy’s administration, seeks to alleviate the significant challenges faced by Lamu residents who currently endure long and costly journeys to Mombasa or Nairobi for specialised cancer care.
The proposed centre aims to enhance access to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment services while bolstering community awareness and prevention efforts.
The partnership with NCI-K includes commitments to support resource mobilisation and capacity building, ensuring the facility is equipped with modern technology and staffed by skilled professionals.
This effort complements other regional health advancements, such as Baringo County’s hospital funding through the Social Health Authority, highlighting a broader push to improve healthcare infrastructure in Kenya’s frontier counties.
The establishment of the Basic Cancer Treatment Centre is poised to significantly reduce the financial and logistical burdens on Lamu’s residents, offering localised care and improving health outcomes.
By fostering strategic collaborations and prioritising community health, Lamu County is setting a precedent for addressing critical healthcare challenges, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future.