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{
    "id": 1291992,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1291992/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 110,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nyamu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern regarding the world’s breast cancer awareness month, the state of cancer disease in Kenya and the challenges facing victims of this dangerous disease. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the month of October is a very important month in the global calendar of health and wellness. This is because it is the month dedicated to sensitizing and creating awareness about breast and other classes of cancer. The month marks the start of a global campaign to increase knowledge and support for people affected by the disease. Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to share some shocking statistics about the state of cancer in Kenya, as released by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCIK) in February, 2023. Statistics show that 70 per cent of cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages. Two-thirds of the diagnosed victims succumb to the disease. Only 23 per cent of all cancer patients in the country have access to cancer management and treatment services. On overage, the country records 47,887 new cases annually with 32,587 deaths annually. This translates to 89 deaths every single day. No doubt, this is a great menace and a disaster to our nation; and if you are not infected, then you are definitely affected. None of us can claim to be safe or immune as the disease is not a respecter of any person, gender, race, tribe, age or even status in the society. Despite the huge investment in the health sector every year, the low number of oncologists in Kenya continues to derail the war against cancer. Records from the Kenya Medical Practitioners database indicate that we have only about 100 oncologists in Kenya. They are expected to serve more than 50 million Kenyans. This translates to oncologist to patient ratio of 1:500,000. This state of affairs is not only quite alarming, but has also put immense pressure on the few available public health facilities, leading to so much interruption of treatment and long waiting periods of patients. The situation is further exacerbated by the low intake of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover, where only about 25 per cent of eligible Kenyans have actively taken up the cover. It is also observed that other The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}