L-R Oivia Achieng’, Fundraising Specialist at Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, awards Risper Mukami, Financial Advisor, ICEA Lion Group
Corporates have been called upon to bolster the fight against childhood cancer by contributing to fundraising initiatives for early detection and treatment. This appeal was made during a charity bowling tournament hosted by Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital and the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation.
Dr. Robert Nyarango, CEO of Gertrude’s Hospital, emphasized the critical role of early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths among children. “Children in high-income countries have a survival chance of 80 percent when diagnosed with cancer, yet only about 20 percent of those diagnosed in Kenya will survive.The disparity is due to significant gaps in infrastructure and capacity for diagnosing and treating pediatric cancer here. Strengthening these capacities is essential to giving our children, even those with cancer, the best chance at living long, healthy lives,” Dr. Nyarango stated.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), Kenya reports at least 3,200 confirmed cases of cancer annually. However, experts believe that many cases remain undetected due to underdiagnosis and underreporting.
In response to this challenge, Gertrude’s Hospital and the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation launched the Kenya National Childhood Cancer Program in 2019. This initiative aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease and enhance capacity building for healthcare workers to address pediatric cancer effectively.
L-R Oivia Achieng’, Fundraising Specialist at Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, awards Risper Mukami, Financial Advisor, ICEA Lion Group, after the ICEA Lion team won the inaugural Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Charity Bowling Tournament which was held to raise funds for diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.
“It is crucial to mobilize resources from all sectors, particularly from corporates, to strengthen efforts in diagnosing and treating the thousands of children afflicted by cancer. The disease can have devastating effects on families, necessitating a comprehensive approach to combat it. Through the Kenya Childhood Cancer Program, we have successfully screened, diagnosed, and treated hundreds of patients across the country and trained over 200 healthcare workers,” said Dr. Carole Waweru, Manager of the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation.
The charity bowling tournament, held on August 23, is part of a series of fundraising activities that include an annual cancer walk and an annual golf tournament. These events aim to raise funds for the cancer program and support the ongoing efforts to combat childhood cancer.
The tournament saw participation from several organizations, including AM Communications Ltd, ICEA Lion Group, Transpharma Healthcare Limited, Cup of Uji, Dr. Lessan’s Clinic, Village Market, Unga Limited, Maruti Office Supplies Limited, Labulax Supplies Limited, Travotech Agencies Limited, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, and Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation.
Organized in partnership with Village Market and Village Bowl, the tournament will return for a second edition in December 2024, with expectations of increased participation from additional companies.