Dr. Nyongesa Leads Kenya’s Fight Against Childhood Cancer
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By John Kariuki
NAIROBI, Kenya — As the world marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, oncologist Dr. Catherine Nyongesa has called for urgent action to improve care and support for children living with cancer in Kenya.
Dr. Nyongesa, founder of the Texas Cancer Center in Nairobi, said childhood cancer remains one of the biggest health challenges, demanding both medical and social interventions. She emphasized that early detection, affordable treatment, and stronger support systems are critical to saving lives.
“Awareness is not just about wearing gold ribbons. It is about ensuring that every child diagnosed with cancer has a fair chance at survival,” she said.
According to Dr. Nyongesa, many families face overwhelming emotional and financial strain once a child is diagnosed. She urged the government, private sector, and civil society to invest in healthcare infrastructure, expand specialized facilities, and fund research to improve survival rates.
The gold ribbon, the global symbol for childhood cancer awareness, highlights the preciousness of children and the need to prioritize their health. In Kenya, delayed diagnoses and high treatment costs remain barriers to effective care.
Dr. Nyongesa further appealed for stronger community engagement, noting that beyond treatment, families need emotional and social support.
“As we mark this month, let us stand with young patients and their families, and commit to building a future where childhood cancer is no longer a death sentence,” she said.
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