Meru County Secretary Dr. Rufus Miriti has called on Meru residents to come out in their numbers and be screened for cancer regularly, even as the County Government steps up efforts to contain the disease, following rapidly rising cases of cancer where Meru has been ranked top nationally in the disease prevalence.

Dr. Miriti said that the County Government is already embarking on robust programs to fight the cancer menace, such as the cancer bill which has already been drafted and approved by the cabinet, and is awaiting tabling before the County Assembly. The bill will operationalize other programs such as the upcoming establishment of the Meru Cancer Center and Cancer Institute.

"Once established, the institutions will among other things, spearhead research on cancer causes, possible prevention and cure for those who are diagnosed at early stages, hence ease the current burden of heavy cost of cancer treatment and management that is being experienced by Mwananchi," said Dr. Miriti.

The CS added that in the short term, the County has employed an oncologist and continues to carry out other measures to empower Meru Level 5 Hospital to enhance its capacity to handle cancer cases.

He was speaking when he flagged off the annual Cancer Walk organized by Meru Hospice, to mark the Cancer Awareness Month. The theme of this year’s commemoration is "Palliative Care Because I Matter".

The CS also said that the County Government will continue to support institutions such as the Meru Hospice which are carrying complementing the efforts to combat cancer in the County. He was accompanied at the event by MCAs for Nyaki West Mworia Kiongozi, Murega Elias of Municipality and Julius Mbijiwe of Mwanganthia Ward.