NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 29 – Getrude’s Hospital says it will use proceeds from its golf tournament to treating children affected with cancer.
The event, which took place at the Muthaiga Golf Club and was attended by avid golfers, philanthropists, and other supporters, raised funds for the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Cancer program.
The hospital seeks to leverage on its Kenya Childhood Cancer Program, launched in 2019, to support screening and early diagnosis of childhood cancer, treatment and training of healthcare workers.
The Foundation operates in Kenya with programmes currently in ten counties.
“Most children in this country who have cancer are not able to complete treatment when they start; we need to find ways to raise the needed funds to support their treatment. We started this initiative upon the realisation that only 30% of the children diagnosed will complete treatment, with only 20% of them surviving. In comparison, developed countries like the US have better outcomes where 100% of children with cancer will get diagnosed and close to 90% will get cured [remission],” said the hospital’s CEO Dr. Robert Nyarango.
According to Dr Nyarango, the Kenya Childhood Cancer Program has achieved several objectives since its inception, including training 200 healthcare Professionals in four different counties across Kenya including Garissa, Mombasa, Nakuru and Nyeri.
Plans have commenced to extend the training in five counties – Baringo, Homabay, Lamu, Narok, and Samburu.
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital avvers that it is committed to making a significant impact on the lives of children affected by cancer and their families.
