Kilifi County Signs Landmark MoU to Boost Breast Cancer Care Access

The Deputy Governor, Kilifi County, Flora Mbetsa Chibule, has today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the County Government of Kilifi and Equity, Quality, Access and Lifesaving International Services (EQUALIS) to implement The GREAT Project (Globally Redefining Equity in Access to Treatment), aimed at improving access to breast cancer care in the county.

The agreement establishes a cooperation framework that will see the rollout of a modern diagnostic centre, enhanced capacity building for healthcare workers, and strengthened referral systems to ensure women receive timely, dignified and life-saving treatment.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Kilifi County, emphasized that the partnership marks a critical step in overcoming barriers that have historically hindered access to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“This strategic collaboration reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that no woman in Kilifi is left behind due to limited access to quality diagnostic and treatment services,” she said.

The milestone comes barely four months after the GREAT Project team and partners held initial consultations with county leadership, demonstrating swift progress from engagement to implementation.

Through the Kilifi Department of Health and Sanitation Services, healthcare professionals will benefit from specialized training to improve early detection, diagnosis, and management of breast cancer cases. The planned modern diagnostic facility is expected to significantly reduce delays in screening and referrals, which have often resulted in late-stage diagnoses.

The MoU underscores Kilifi County’s broader commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, enhancing cancer care infrastructure, and safeguarding the health and dignity of women and families across the region.