Early detection of breast and cervical cancer saves lives. But in rural and impoverished regions of Kenya, access to screening services can be challenging. Tragically, this can lead to late diagnoses—after cancer has spread and treatment becomes even more difficult. With limited cancer care support systems, a cancer diagnosis can devastate a patient and their family—emotionally and financially. In 2017, CMMB partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, the county government of Kitui, and the community to improve cervical and breast cancer care. Through this collaboration, we have increased cancer awareness, promoted uptake of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls, strengthened health systems, and improved palliative care.

Community Awareness

Cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccinating women and girls between 10 to 14 years against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. However, the incidence of cervical cancer in Kenya remains high, with more deaths than any other type of cancer in 2022. Breast cancer was the second highest cause of cancer deaths.

CMMB has raised awareness of the risks of breast and cervical cancer. At routine home visits and health facility appointments, healthcare professionals and community health promoters are equipped to share cancer information and encourage routine screening and HPV vaccination. Since 2017, we have screened almost 60,000 women for cervical or breast cancer.

CMMB collaborated with the Kitui County Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to facilitate the vaccination of girls in schools. Since 2022, almost 21,500 girls have been vaccinated for HPV.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reduced in-person outreach in 2020, we launched a campaign to spread cancer awareness through short message services, social media posts, and radio talk shows. Over the past five years, we have continued our awareness campaign, reaching over one million people—in Kitui County and beyond.

Health Systems Strengthened

The Kitui County Referral Hospital CMMB Kenya

The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center was built in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation at the Kitui County Referral Hospital.

With funding from Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, CMMB constructed and equipped the Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center at the Kitui County Referral Hospital in 2023. This addition provides cancer treatment to patients from Kitui County and its neighboring communities, offering an immense relief for cancer patients who once had to travel far distances for care. The distance and limited means meant some patients could not access treatment at all. Women diagnosed with cancer in Kitui County now receive treatment closer to home.

Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center at the Kitui County Referral Hospital.

Construction of the cancer center was completed in a matter of months.

To ensure more patients have access to advanced cancer treatments, we have trained healthcare workers on screening, diagnostics, and treatment protocols, such as cervical cryotherapy and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) method. Through our advocacy efforts, the county government has provided human resources for the cancer center to sustain health services.

A doctor at Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center prepares cancer treatment in a sterile environment.

A trained health worker prepares chemotherapy drugs in a sterile environment.

In addition to the Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center, CMMB also supported 90 health facilities across Kitui South Sub-County and Kitui Central Sub-county with cancer screening supplies and commodities.

At every step, we worked closely with local partners, including the Kenya Ministry of Health, Kitui County Government, county health departments, and the National Cancer Institute. Together with county health departments, we have rolled out updated national guidelines promoting regular screening.

Enhanced Palliative Care and Survivorship Support

Women diagnosed with cancer—and their families—need tremendous support. To enhance patient care, CMMB renovated a palliative care unit at Ikutha Sub-County Hospital. We also provided specialized training to healthcare workers and community health promoters so they can provide compassionate treatment, including home-based care.

Importantly, we gave women hope, making sure no survivor feels alone on her cancer journey. CMMB’s cancer patient support groups provided a place to build community and develop resilience. In 2024, our support group program evolved into a locally run support network and cancer awareness advocacy group called Kitui Cancer Warriors. To support survivors in all aspects of their cancer battle, CMMB also facilitated services such as transportation, nutritional supplements, pain management medication, psychosocial support, and cash transfers. Today, the group has registered locally as an organization, meaning they will continue to support one another independently well into the future.

Continuing the Fight Against Cancer

With community health promoters equipped with the resources they need to encourage testing, screening, and prevention, and the cancer center operations continuing under the leadership of the local government, progress in cancer care will continue. CMMB remains committed to continuing our advocacy for quality services and increased access—even in the most remote communities.

Watch: Impact in Action at the Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center