NCPWD Donates Cryogenic Equipment to 20 Counties to Combat Skin Cancer in Persons with Albinism
NCPWD Donates Cryogenic Equipment to 20 Counties in Effort to Prevent Skin Cancer for Persons with Albinism
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has launched a significant initiative to combat skin cancer among Persons with Albinism (PWAs) by donating cryogenic equipment to 20 counties across the country. This donation, made possible through a collaboration with other stakeholders, is a crucial step in improving access to vital healthcare for PWAs, particularly in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
The handover of the equipment took place at Kitale Sub County Hospital in Trans Nzoia County, where Alex Munyere, the Senior Disability Officer in charge of Rehabilitation and Habitation at NCPWD, underscored the importance of this initiative. Munyere highlighted that the cryogenic equipment would greatly enhance access to vital in-office procedures used for treating and preventing skin cancer, which remains a critical health issue for persons with albinism.
“This donation is a significant milestone in our fight against skin cancer for Persons with Albinism. It will also facilitate the provision of free dermatological services, improving the overall healthcare access for PWAs,” Munyere said.
The donation is part of NCPWD’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities, ensuring that they live in dignity and have equal access to quality healthcare, as outlined in the government’s healthcare programme. Munyere also noted that the equipment would improve dermatological services, which are essential for the treatment of conditions such as skin and eye disorders prevalent among PWAs.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, the NCPWD procured 20 cryogenic machines, each costing Shs 200,000, to be distributed to health facilities across 20 counties. These counties include Kakamega, Kajiado, Kiambu, Wajir, Murang’a, Bungoma, Isiolo, Nyamira, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Meru, Homabay, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Mandera, Turkana, Nandi, and Kwale.
To qualify for the equipment, facilities must meet certain criteria, including having a functional governing body and trained personnel to operate the equipment effectively. Additionally, each facility will be required to maintain a comprehensive register of PWAs benefiting from the services, ensuring that the equipment serves its intended purpose.
Munyere further emphasized that the NCPWD will carry out both scheduled and unscheduled monitoring to assess the use and effectiveness of the equipment, in line with established procedures from the Ministry of Health and NCPWD.
In line with Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Munyere encouraged PWAs to take full advantage of these new services and actively seek assistance instead of staying away from treatment.
Joanes Nyongesa, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kitale Sub County Hospital, also praised the donation, stating that it would significantly enhance the facility’s capacity to provide crucial healthcare services to PWAs, helping them lead healthier lives free from the threat of skin cancer.
NCPWD Donates Cryogenic Equipment to 20 Counties to Combat Skin Cancer in Persons with Albinism
