Prevention key to beating cancer, says health executive Lagat as Uasin Gishu–Östergötland partnership advances equity in care

 

Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Joseph Lagat, has emphasized that cancer prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing the disease’s growing burden across the region.

Speaking during a Steering Group Meeting with delegates from Region Östergötland, Sweden, under the Equity in Cancer Care Project, Lagat said the county is strengthening efforts to integrate cancer screening and early detection into routine medical camps and community health programs.

“Prevention will sort out the cancers. We are working to establish strong measures on the ground to ensure this becomes a reality,” said Lagat. “Our community health promoters have been instrumental in sensitizing residents at the grassroots level.”

The Swedish delegation, led by Andreas Westoo (Majority Leader), Kirsten Sjoberg (Opposition Representative), and Peter Berrgen (Head of Project), commended the county for its commitment to primary healthcare and preventive health strategies. They also urged greater focus on HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer among adolescents.

Uasin Gishu County Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Sang, applauded the ongoing collaboration, noting that it would significantly boost cancer prevention and control efforts.

“We must act with urgency. Too many lives have been lost to cancers that could have been prevented or treated early,” said Sang.

Director of Medical Services, Dr. Evans Kiprotich, reaffirmed the county’s shift toward community-level prevention, acknowledging that cultural barriers, stigma, and lack of information continue to hinder early detection.

During their visit, the Swedish delegation toured key health facilities, including the Uasin Gishu County Hospital Oncology Clinic, Cancer Screening Unit, Lung/TB Clinic, and the Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital.

The Uasin Gishu–Östergötland partnership, supported under the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) framework, aims to strengthen equitable, preventive, and community-driven approaches to cancer care. The initiative is seen as a major step toward building a healthier, more informed, and cancer-aware community in Uasin Gishu County.