Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related illness and death among women in Kilifi County. Nationally, it ranks as the second most common cancer among women. Despite being preventable, screening rates remain critically low in the region.
Low Screening Rates
In 2024, Kilifi’s cervical cancer screening coverage stood at just 22%—far below Kenya’s national target of 70%. This gap has prompted urgent action from health authorities and partners.
4-Day Training Workshop
In response, the Kilifi County Department of Health has partnered with the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) and the Beyond Zero Initiative to conduct a four-day training workshop. The program is targeting healthcare workers in Kilifi South Sub-County.
Boosting Capacity
The training is designed to equip frontline health workers with advanced skills in screening, early detection, and treatment of cervical cancer. By strengthening local health capacity, the county aims to increase the uptake of screening services.
A Life-Saving Initiative
“This initiative is about saving lives,” read a statement from the Department of Health. “We are committed to ensuring more women have access to early screening and care.”
Community Call to Action
The County Government is also urging women to utilize available screening services. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in improving outcomes and reducing cancer-related deaths.
Commitment to UHC
The initiative supports Kilifi’s broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage and national efforts to curb the rising cancer burden through preventive care at the community level.
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