By Gastone Valusi
in Machakos
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has decried the high number of cancer cases in the county.
Today,she urged the commission formed to clean Nairobi River which feeds into the Athi-river to speed up the exercise as the river had been cited as one of the contributors of cancer cases due to industrial pollution.
Ms Ndeti said 465 cases of cancer had been recorded in the county in the year 2022 with Mwala Sub-county where a large section of the Athi-river river flows through recording 54 cases.
Governor Ndeti who spoke at Machakos Level 5 hospital after visiting the hospital,said that 75 per cent of cancer cases are detected at advanced stage with two out of three patients dying and asked residents to go for early testing so as to get treatment.
"I am glad that the President has formed a commission to clean up the Nairobi river and we are asking them to speed up the process because we are now putting money to treatment of cases caused by polluted water,"said Ms Ndeti.
President William Ruto formed the Nairobi River Commission in December 2022 with a mandate to spearhead the clean up and restoration of the river.
Ms Ndeti said the cancer disease could be cured if detected early and proper treatment commenced.
The Cancer Unit at Machakos Level 5 hospital has qualified doctors and modern equipment for diagnosis and treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Governor Ndeti also received ICU equipment worth Sh30 million from a German firm, Malteser International,which included 20 ventillators and accessories.
Last week, the county government entered into a Sh100 million deal with the African Medical and Research Foundation (Amref)for supply of oxygen in twelve health facilities in the County.
The project which starts in February will enhance service delivery for critical care patients.
The components of the project include; 630 new oxygen cylinders,27 oxygen splitters,12 patient monitors and pipping manifolds in 12 health facilities,Amref Programme Officer Mr Julius Tome revealed.
Ends.
