Kenya records 3,000 cases of cancer annually-First Lady

Over 3,000 new cases of cancer are reported in Kenya every year and half of these result in death, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said on Thursday.She regretted that Africa has some of the highest cervical cancer incidences and mortality rates in the world adding that the continent’s high HIV prevalence amongst women also increases both the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer.

The First Lady was speaking at State House where she launched the 9th Stop Breast, Cervical and Prostrate Cancer in Africa Conference (SCCA) to be held in Kenya between July 19-20 this year.

She called on all First Ladies in Africa to use the powers of their respective offices to galvanize action and mobilize resources against all types of cancers that continue claiming hundreds of people’s lives in the continent.

“As First Ladies of Africa, we must use the convening power of our offices to intensify advocacy and galvanize action towards attainment of adequate human, technical and financial resources�, she said.

The launch ceremony was attended by among others, the First Lady of Namibia Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, several ambassadors and High Commissioners.

The last SCCA conference was held in Windhoek, Namibia last year where the First Ladies pledged to collaborate with the private sector, multi-lateral and bilateral partners to ensure availability of technical and financial support in the prevention, control and treatment of cervical, prostrate and breast cancers.

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