NAIROBI, Kenya- In a bid to promote early cancer detection and improve access to healthcare, M-Pesa Foundation, in partnership with Zuri Health, is hosting a series of specialized medical camps throughout October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The camps will provide screenings and healthcare services for breast, prostate, cervical, and colon cancers, as well as additional health services for underserved communities.
M-Pesa Foundation has allocated Ksh36 million towards the initiative, which will take place every Saturday this month.
The first camp was successfully held in Nairobi at Uhuru Gardens Primary School, drawing over 3,000 attendees. Future camps are scheduled for Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Murang’a Counties, ensuring the reach extends to various parts of the country.
Patricia Ithau, Trustee of M-Pesa Foundation, emphasized the importance of early cancer detection: “We aim to promote early screening and detection so that patients can get the treatment they need. Our focus is on supporting underserved communities to access these vital healthcare services.”
At each camp, attendees can access free cancer screenings, including CEA tests for colon cancer, mammograms, and ultrasounds for breast cancer, pap smears and HPV vaccines for cervical cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer.
The camps also offer general healthcare services such as eye care, diabetes screenings, hypertension monitoring, and child and elderly consultations. The goal is to provide comprehensive care to as many people as possible.
The initiative will also extend its support beyond screenings, offering nutritional and psychosocial services for those diagnosed with cancer. Leveraging telemedicine, patients can consult with oncologists to discuss their diagnoses and potential treatments.
M-Pesa Foundation is going a step further by offering free one-year medical cover for up to 20 patients diagnosed with cancer at each camp, ensuring long-term care and support for those in need.
This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader goal of providing accessible healthcare, particularly in regions where resources are scarce.
Since the launch of these camps in May 2023, M-Pesa Foundation has screened over 3,500 patients and referred 300 for further testing due to suspected cancer cases.
The partnership with Zuri Health and Lion SightFirst Eye Hospital has been instrumental in providing a wide range of services, making these camps a critical resource for many Kenyans.
