Twenty counties are set to receive a donation of cryogenic equipment from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
The donation by the council, which comes as a result of collaboration with other stakeholders, marks a great milestone in the fight against skin cancer for Persons with Albinism (PWAs).
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County during the handover of the equipment to the management of Kitale Sub County Hospital, Senior Disability Officer in charge of Rehabilitation and Habitation at NCPWD Alex Munyere hailed the significance of the initiative, saying that it will greatly enhance access to vital in-office procedures used for the treatment and prevention of skin cancer, a critical concern for persons with albinism.
Besides the provision of medical services related to skin and eye treatment, Munyere added that the equipment will also help improve access to dermatological services for persons with Albinism by availing free dermatological services.
“The distribution of this equipment is a testament to the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all persons with disabilities live a decent and dignified life,” he said, adding that it aligns with the government’s programme on access to quality healthcare as a fundamental right.
Outlining measures which the Council has realised through the National Persons with Albinism Programme, Wafula revealed that during the Financial Year 2024/2025, the council has procured 20 cryogenic equipment, each at a cost of Shs 200,000, to be distributed to facilities across 20 counties in the country.
The 20 counties lined up to benefit are Kakamega, Kajiado, Kiambu, Wajir, Murang’a, Bungoma, Isiolo, Nyamira, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Meru, Homabay, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Mandera, Turkana, Nandi and Kwale.
For a facility to have a chance to benefit, it should have a well-structured, functional and instituted governing body, management committee and personnel to operate the equipment.
Upon receiving the equipment, Munyere said the facility will be required to maintain an updated comprehensive individual register showing details of PWAs beneficiaries, demonstrate an intention to utilise and provide the equipment’s intended service efficiently and effectively, and ensure that all PWAs are outreached to enjoy the benefits.
He said they will periodically be carrying out scheduled and unscheduled monitoring, evaluation and utilisation of the equipment in accordance with NCPWD and Ministry of Health laid-out procedures.
Stressing the commitment of the Council to help health facilities develop capacity to attend to PWAs in line with the Kenya 2010 Constitution, Persons’ with Disabilities Act No. 14 of 2003, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Munyere challenged PWAs to take advantage of the initiatives and come out for assistance instead of shying off.
Kitale Sub County Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Joanes Nyongesa hailed NCPWD for the donation, saying it will go a long way to enhance the capacity of the facility to provide health services to PWA.
By Isaiah Nayika
