Health officials are calling on residents of Bungoma County to go for regular health screening in order to curb the rising cases of hypertension and cancer within the community.
The County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator, Rose Mogoi, said that records had shown that about 40,000 residents were living with hypertension thus endangering their lives.
She said that hypertension had become a silent threat in the community as most patients discover the condition after developing severe complications thus the need for frequent check-up and treatment.
The Co-coordinator, who was talking to KNA at Bungoma County Referral Hospital today noted that there was a misconception that hypertension only affected the elderly and the rich people in society and said that today people at the age of 18-35 years were affected by this disease.
She said health officials in the county had done screening for cancer and hypertension to 16,000 residents in Sirisia and Kimilili Sub- Counties this month, an exercise aimed at promoting early diagnosis and treatment of diseases that continue to affect thousands of people silently.
The coordinator pointed out cervical cancer as one of the leading cancers affecting women despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer through early screening and vaccination.
“Cervical cancer is preventable. We encourage parents to ensure girls receive HPV vaccines and women to go for regular screening,” she added.
The hospital conducted free screening for hypertension and cancer which attracted hundreds of residents seeking free medical services and health education.
County officials said the campaign is part of a broader strategy to strengthen preventive healthcare and reduce deaths caused by hypertension and cancer in Bungoma County.
By Triza Natembeya and Catherine Nyongesa
