On 27th February 2018, Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency donated a breast board to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). KNEB C.E.O Eng. Collins Juma handed over the breast board to KNH C.E.O Lilly Koros Tare at their offices in Upper Hill. Also present during the handover ceremony was KNH’s Director corporate services, Director Supply chain among other senior officials at the Hospital.
Speaking during the handover ceremony Eng. Collins Juma who also serves as the National Liaison Officer for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Kenya said ‘we are committed to help Kenyans suffering from cancer by provision of equipment and training opportunities to health facilities in the country through our various partnerships.’
The breast board is used in patient positioning and immobilization for treatment of the thorax, abdomen and breast range from simple positioning devices to mechanical, raised arm systems all designed to improve accuracy, reproducibility and patient comfort.
‘Breast cancer is the number one prevalent cancer in Kenya and the donated breast board will go a long way in helping in diagnosing and treatment of patients in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)’ said Dr. Anthony Nderitu, Director Corporate Service at the hospital.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in Kenya and still the most expensive to diagnose and treat in the bid to offer support KNEB showed its commitment to assist in the fight against cancer through the donation. This is a single step of many required to make cancer treatment affordable, accessible and more reliable in Kenya to help diagnose early and treat the killer disease.
Cancer related deaths are about 27000 per year. Most cases of cancer are diagnosed at a late stage due to insufficient cancer facilities, lack of awareness and high cost of diagnosis. February 4th is the world cancer day, when organizations and individuals around the world unite to raise awareness about cancer and work to make it a global health priority.
By Jonathan Njoroge & Emmanuel Wandera