Hundreds of residents joined staff from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), AMPATH, Uasin Gishu County and partner organisations on Friday for a colourful awareness walk that snaked from the Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Disease Centre through Eldoret’s CBD and ended at Uasin Gishu County Hospital, marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities in the region.
The procession was more than a show of solidarity. At both MTRH and the county hospital, free breast cancer and non-communicable disease screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, were offered throughout the day, underscoring the partners’ shared message that early detection saves lives.
Members of the Breast Cancer Warriors Fellowship walked at the front of the column, many wearing pink scarves and carrying placards that read “I Survived” and “No One Walks Alone“.
One of the survivors, speaking after the walk, said, “When I was diagnosed, I felt the world had ended. Today I am here because someone encouraged me to get checked early. That is the message we want every woman in Eldoret to hear: you are not alone, and there is hope.”
A senior MTRH official addressing the gathering at the county hospital emphasised the hospital’s ongoing commitment: “Breast cancer is not a death sentence when detected early. Through the Chandaria Centre and our partnership with AMPATH, we are ensuring that screening, diagnosis and treatment are within reach of every patient who walks through our doors.”
Representing AMPATH’s IMARA BC initiative, a programme officer told the crowd: “IMARA BC is about more than treatment. It is about making sure that from the moment a woman first notices a change, through diagnosis, treatment and beyond, she has continuous support and quality care. Early detection remains our strongest weapon.”
Uasin Gishu County health officials echoed the call, noting that the joint walk and free screening camps demonstrated what can be achieved when national referral hospitals, county governments and implementing partners work together.
As the pink ribbons fluttered in the afternoon breeze, the message left hanging in the air was simple and urgent: awareness must translate into action, stigma must give way to openness, and every woman who needs screening should be able to access it without delay.
Together, the organisers insisted, Eldoret and the wider region can continue to raise awareness, break the silence and save lives, one early detection at a time.
By Maurice Aluda
