The Kisii County Government has acquired sh. 1.2 million worth of medical equipment to be used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

The four Cyrotherapy machines have been dispatched to Sub County Hospitals to boost efforts by the department of health services to screen and treat women suffering from cervical cancer.

 During a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) in July last year where 44000 women of reproductive age (15-50 years) wre sreened of the disease in Kisii County, 400 women were diagnosed with early stages of cervical cancer.

Speaking at the Kisii Level Five Hospital while distributing the equipment, County Executive Committee Member (CEC) in charge of health services Sara Omache called on women to go for screening saying cancer was treatable if detected early.

"Cervical cancer is the second leading killer of women in Kenya after breast cancer according to research. In Kisii County alone, many of our women are dying due to cervical cancer yet it is treatable if detected early. The equipment will help reduce deaths occasioned by this disease," she said.

The machines procured through Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) were distributed to Nduru, Iyabe, Kenyenya and Marani hospitals in South Mugirango, Bonchari, Bomachoge, Borabu and Kitutu Chache North Sub Counties.

 "Treatment of cervical cancer requires specialized training and so far, we have trained four nurses who will operate these machines. This is the second phase of the project targeting all Level Four Hospitals in all Sub Counties. We already have one machine at Kisii Level FIve Hospital," said County director of health Dr Geoffrey Otomu.