By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Kisumu County is facing a critical challenge in its healthcare system: a significant
number of cancer patients are abandoning treatment before completion. This
troubling trend was brought to light during a recent visit by Roche Pharmaceuticals’
Vice President, Maturin Tchoumi, who emphasised the urgent need for interventions
to improve patient retention rates.
During the visit, discussions centred on optimising patient flow through the
screening, treatment, and management of cervical and breast cancer. This issue was
further underscored by Ms. Jacqueline Wambua, General Manager of Roche
Pharmaceuticals East Africa; Mama Kisumu County Dorothy Nyong'o; and Dr.
Gregory Ganda, County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public
Health, and Sanitation.
The Mpower clinic, a focal point for cancer screening and early treatment in Kisumu,
was praised for its efforts, particularly the increased demand for its services. The
clinic screens around 18 patients per day, a testament to the growing awareness
and need for cancer care. However, the visit also revealed significant challenges in
patient retention, with many patients dropping out of treatment after initial
screening, contributing to higher mortality rates.
A key issue identified was the lack of a comprehensive one-stop facility for cancer
care. Currently, patients often need to be referred to other facilities for treatment,
leading to delays and loss of follow-up. Mr. Tchoumi stressed the importance of
transforming the Mpower clinic into a fully equipped centre that can provide both
screening and treatment, thereby reducing patient drop-off rates.
Additionally, the need for better equipment, such as biopsy machines, was
highlighted. The absence of these critical tools forces patients to seek services
elsewhere, often leading to late-stage diagnoses when they finally return for
treatment. Wilbroda Atiba, a cancer screening nurse, proposed enhancing patient
privacy and reducing the need to use multiple rooms for procedures, which could
improve patient comfort and retention.
The visit also touched on other areas needing improvement, such as reducing
waiting times for pap smear results and streamlining payment processes to make
cancer services more accessible. These steps are crucial to achieving the Mpower
clinic’s mission of increasing cancer awareness, facilitating early detection, and
providing high-quality treatment.
The EMPOWER project, led by the County First Ladies Association in collaboration
with Roche, Women 4 Cancer, and the Africa Cancer Foundation, plays a vital role
in these efforts. By building a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem, this initiative
aims to tackle the challenges of detection and treatment, ensuring more patients
complete their cancer care journey.
