Uasin Gishu County’s First Lady, Selina Bii, has passionately urged women across the county to prioritize early screening for breast cancer, underscoring how timely detection can be life-saving.
While addressing over 1,000 women who gathered at Mararen Grounds in Ziwa Ward, Soy Sub-County, during a breast cancer awareness event held in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the first lady highlighted the immense value of early detection in empowering women to take control of their health.
Uasin Gishu County’s First Lady, Selina Bii
“Early detection is vital because it empowers women to seek the treatment they need,” she emphasized.
Mrs Bii also encouraged women to be vigilant about their health and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any suspicious lumps or symptoms. Her appeal is part of a broader push to combat rising breast cancer cases by promoting awareness and encouraging preventive health measures.
Mrs Bii’s message aligns with this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness theme, “Close the Gap: Improving Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support,” which stresses the importance of expanding access to quality health services and strengthening community awareness.
Alongside her advocacy for cancer screening, Mrs Bii expressed concern over the escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV) affecting women in the region. She emphasized the importance of unity among women to tackle health issues and social injustices.
“We must stand together and support each other in addressing both our health and societal challenges,” she remarked.
The First Lady urged women to visit healthcare facilities, not only for breast cancer screening but also for guidance on addressing GBV.
“Women should have access to supportive services on both fronts,” she noted, adding that the county government is committed to enhancing these services for the benefit of the community.
The event also featured insights from Dr. Paul Wangwe, Uasin Gishu County’s Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health. Dr. Wangwe highlighted that all county health facilities now offer free breast cancer screening services, with 16 specially equipped to handle various cancer treatments.
This development aims to make screenings more accessible and encourage women to prioritize their health.In a significant advancement for the region, Dr. Wangwe shared that a state-of-the-art mammogram machine was recently installed in Ziwa. This equipment is expected to play a critical role in early detection, further enhancing the county’s healthcare capacity.
“With this new machine, we’re able to screen and diagnose more effectively, which can ultimately save lives,” Dr. Wangwe explained.
The Uasin Gishu County government has been proactive in its health initiatives, especially in the fight against cancer. Health workers and community mobilizers at the event provided educational sessions on breast self-exams, recognizing symptoms, and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
The event underscored the urgency of bridging gaps in healthcare access and addressing the social factors that contribute to delayed cancer diagnosis, as well as the stigma often associated with the disease.
The First Lady’s call to action resonated with many attendees, leaving them inspired to take charge of their health and advocate for each other’s well-being. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month progresses, Uasin Gishu County is expected to continue rolling out awareness programs to ensure more women can access these vital services.
She hopes that her message will encourage more women across the county to step forward, get screened, and support each other in the ongoing fight against cancer and social injustices.
