Lodwar – February 18, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The Lodwar County Referral Hospital’s (LCRH) Oncology Unit has received cryotherapy equipment from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) towards improved access to skin cancer treatment and prevention.
The equipment, also known as cryosurgery, will be housed in the recently launched Oncology Centre at LCRH. LCRH is among 19 other counties who have received similar equipment to address growing concerns about skin cancer among persons with albinism.
According to Acting CEO/Director of LCRH, Dr Ekiru Kidalio, the equipment is a welcome addition as the hospital seeks to expand its cancer treatment and prevention services.
“The hospital’s oncology centre will now be able to treat malignant skin conditions requiring cryotherapy,” he said.
County Rehabilitative Services Coordinator, Concepta Long’ole, stated that the equipment will be used for the early detection and treatment of skin conditions such as lesions, vitiligo, and 7 others.
She added that the equipment will also support the Ilimanyang community, which is susceptible to skin conditions, specifically anhidrosis or hypohidrosis, where individuals are unable to sweat when exposed to heat.
Turkana County’s NCPWD Coordinator, Benson Ewoi, emphasized that the equipment will aid in the early detection and prevention of skin cancer for all individuals, not just those with albinism.
The local council office is currently supporting 36 people with albinism and members of the Ilimanyang community by providing sunscreen lotion and education on proper skin care.
A resident of Kaikor with Albinism, Mary Meyan, was unaware that she and her sister, who also he Albinism, needed to be screened for skin cancer.
“I will educate her and five others on the importance of screening, just as I have taught them how to use sunscreen and shared skin care tips,” she said.
Also in attendance during the handover were Dr Fahad Yassin (LCRH Physician), Harun Sifuna (County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator), Sulekha Cotilde (LCRH Oncology Nurse) and Joyce Ebulon (Ilimanyang Ccommunity activist).
