Hundreds of women in Homa Bay County have so far benefited from free cervical and breast cancers screening through joint efforts among the County government, non-governmental organizations, and international health agencies.
The outreach health programme is being conducted across several health centers in the county and offers free examinations for early detection services, and health education.
For many women, it is a Godsend opportunity as prior to it, they had not accessed such screenings due to financial constraints.
“I have always wanted to get checked, but I couldn’t afford it,” said Carren Achieng after undergoing screening at a busy screening point. Today, I feel relieved and empowered knowing my health status,” she added.
Health workers on the ground have been emphasizing the importance of early detection of the two diseases, noting that cervical and breast cancers remain among the leading causes of death among women in Kenya. They explained that timely screening significantly increases chances of successful treatment.
County officials praised the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward improving women’s health and reducing cancer-related deaths. They also highlighted the role of partnerships in strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
“This is more than just a medical exercise—it’s a life-saving intervention made possible through collective efforts,” said a local health administrator.
Beyond screenings, women are also made aware of symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of regular check-ups. Many expressed gratitude not only for the free services but also for the knowledge gained.
As the program continues, organizers hope to expand its reach and encourage more women to take advantage of the services.
For now, the smiles and relief seen across Homa Bay stand as a testament to the impact of accessible healthcare and community-driven initiatives.
Meanwhile Homa Bay residents have hailed the services of Community Health Promoters(CHPs) who are the first point of health care for households under the primary health care system.
They said that CHPs identify disease symptoms early, monitor pregnancies, promote hygiene, and maintain electronic community health records adding that CHPs are equipped with essential kits containing items like thermometers, blood pressure monitors and smartphones for tracking data.
By Brenda Odindo and Davis Langat
