Kenya is losing 9 women daily to cervical cancer as statistics show over 3000 die annually due to the disease that has been categorised as the world’s second killer disease.

Consequently, there are 5226 new cases of cervical cancer reported yearly in Kenya.

Worldwide, 10 million people die because of cervical cancer.

The Kenyan government says these statistics are too grim as the ministry of health now emphasises on more screening and early treatment to combat the rising cases that are now robbing the country of productive women.

According to the ministry of health, there are worrying statistics that show the diagnosis of cervical cancer to women, more so at a late stage spells doom for them.

Speaking in Nyandarua county where the country converged to mark the world cervical day after a month’s work of advocacy for women to get screened, stakeholders who have come together to advocate for the elimination of cervical cancer in Kenya, say it is the only cancer that could be eliminated as some countries in Europe have successfully done so.

Public Health Principal secretary Mary Muthoni urged Women in the country to embrace early screening.

"Please ensure you go for early screening, we are losing many Women to this disease. Personally I lost a sister last year, she was diagnosed with this disease while it was already at stage 4, it had reached to a stage where I could not even help her with my position, it was too late" said Muthoni.

Adding" Lets ignore these stereotypes that when you are put in the screening machines but things will happen to you, let us now get serious."

PS Mary Muthoni noted that the ministry has also embarked on a programme targeting 14-year-old school going girls for vaccination as they are also at risk.

She further urged community health promoters to urge more women in rural areas to turn up for screening, which is now free, to ascertain their health status and get treatment.

"The Government is enhancing access to essential cancer services, shifting from a curative focus to prevention and health promotion, and taking services closer to the people through the deployment of Community Health Promoters."