The M-PESA Foundation, in collaboration with Zuri Health, recently hosted a specialized medical camp at Moi Voi Stadium in Taita Taveta County, impacting the lives of over 3,500 residents. This event is part of a series of cancer-themed medical camps organized by the M-PESA Foundation to provide much-needed cancer-related healthcare support.
A Commitment to Cancer Care
With a committed investment of KES 36 million, the foundation aims to hold four specialized cancer-themed medical camps across Kenya, aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These camps focus on screening and providing healthcare services related to breast, prostate, cervical, and colon cancer. Patricia Ithau, Trustee of the M-PESA Foundation, emphasized the importance of these camps:
“Out of the 26 plus medical camps we’ve conducted across Kenya since May last year, over 3,500 patients have been screened for cancer, and 300 have been referred for treatment after suspected cases of either breast, cervical or prostate cancer. It is for this reason that we decided to conduct cancer-themed medical camps this October (considering it is also Breast Cancer Awareness month) to raise cancer awareness, support cancer patients financially and increase referrals to cancer facilities for those needing advanced care. We aim to promote early screening and detection so that patients can get the treatment they need, with a focus on supporting underserved communities to access these services.“
Holistic Support and Aftercare
The camp provided not just screenings but also nutritional and psychosocial support for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of cancer. Telemedicine was leveraged to enable patients to consult with oncologists. To ensure proper aftercare, the foundation has committed to providing free one-year medical cover for up to 20 patients diagnosed with cancer at each camp.
Beyond Cancer: Comprehensive Healthcare
While the primary focus is on cancer, these medical camps also cater to the general health needs of the community. Services offered include eye care consultations, fistula screening, general doctor consultations, diabetes screening, hypertension monitoring, and elderly and child health consultations in partnership with Zuri Health, Lion’s Sightfirst Eye Hospital, and the respective county governments.
At the Taita Taveta camp, 45 patients were screened for breast, cervical, and colon cancer, and over 3,000 patients received general doctor consultations.
Upcoming Camps
The Taita Taveta camp was the second cancer-themed medical camp this month, following the first in Nairobi. The M-PESA Foundation will also be heading to Homa Bay and Murang’a counties in the next two weeks, continuing their mission to provide quality healthcare through these specialized camps.
In the words of Patricia Ithau:
“In addition to cancer care, we also address general health needs by offering free medical consultations, providing essential drugs and offering screening services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, along with dental and eye care.”
These efforts underscore the foundation’s commitment to promoting early screening and detection, ensuring that patients receive the necessary treatment, and empowering underserved communities with access to comprehensive healthcare services.