DESCA Says Cancer Cases Remain Mute With No Recognition In MOH Records
DESCA Says Cancer Cases Remain Mute With No Recognition In MOH Records
While commemorating World Cancer Day 4 th February 2025, Diseases Eradication Civil Society Assemblies (DESCA) has noted with urgency the rising number of new cancer cases that remain mute for no recognition in the MOH records.
Led by DESCA Founder, Emily Mukomune, they noted that as the world ushers in the 2025-2027 World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique’, majority of global governments seem very unaware on the upward projection of new cancer cases.
Ironically, the theme is meant to place people at the center of care and their stories at the heart of the conversations contrary to the stern stand of the US President on matters of health, knowing or unknowingly that the reproductive health funded by USAID has been instrumental in the prevention of HIV-related cancers that are managed and controlled or prevented by the availability of ARV drugs for persons living with HIV.
Their statement further notes that the fact that TB is an opportunistic and infectious disease, a lack of financing would mean a rise in TB infections which might also greatly affect cancer patients on treatment during cancer treatment, a patient’s immune system is affected by cancer drugs.
DESCA Says Cancer Cases Remain Mute With No Recognition In MOH Records
The US government has been a key development partner in Kenya’s healthcare funding, primarily supporting HIV programmes through PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Despite Kenya receiving less funding than some neighbouring countries, these contributions have been crucial, especially for HIV care, which has evolved from an emergency to a chronic illness requiring lifelong medication.
However, if US funding is reduced or withdrawn, the impact could be significant in two critical areas: commodity security and human resources.
Commodity security, including the availability of essential medicines and supplies, would be severely affected, with Kenya’s HIV treatment costs currently at US$7.8 billion, down from US$15 billion in previous years.
Additionally, many healthcare workers in Kenya’s Comprehensive Care Clinics (CCCs) are funded by the US, and funding cuts could lead to staffing shortages, disrupting HIV service delivery.
“Our hope as we stand on the health crossroads of over 60 years of dependency on foreign health aid, is that the government of Kenya sees the urgent need to declare cancer a national disaster that it is.” Said Emily while reading the statement
This will enable the creation of awareness that could lead to prevention and enable one to seek early treatment once symptomatic.
The statement further read, suppose the current government holds the same position as the previous government, which stated in 2019 that cancer is not a national disaster, then as a nation, we will have no choice but to summon health stakeholders to support a nationwide cancer census.
The 2025-2027 cancer theme is an empowering call to action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future in the fight against cancer.
The theme United by Unique brings to attention the fact that in one way or the other, we are all affected by cancer. Either you are sick or supporting someone who is affected by the disease.
“It is therefore our collective responsibility to fight this enemy called cancer that affects us all indiscriminately. The call to fight cancer is premised upon the awareness that whoever you are, you can do something no matter how seemingly insignificant, and make a difference in the long run.” Said Emily
DESCA Says Cancer Cases Remain Mute With No Recognition In MOH Records
Domestic Financing should be prioritized. Today as we commemorate this day, in confidence we can say that Kenya has more potential than Americans.
Kenya’s Medical engineers should start manufacturing our own ARV’s and other drugs.
“We can innovate types of equipment for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In commemorating the World Cancer Day in 2025, we are focusing on creating awareness, reducing risk eexposurand campaigning for affordable access to cancer services”
Beyond Physical; mental and Emotional Impact-Quality cancer care includes dignity, respect, support, and love and considers not just the physical impact of cancer but respects the emotional, sexual, and social well-being of each individual and their care.
