Kenya: Govt Urged to Set Up Cancer Insurance Scheme

The government has been urged to come up with an insurance scheme to make cancer treatment affordable. This was the rallying call as relatives, friends and top government officials attended a requiem mass for Mary Onyango, who until her death, was the vice chair of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.
Onyango succumbed to breast cancer a fortnight ago at the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu where she had been rushed after falling ill. She had been battling breast cancer for 12 years.
Her sister Dorothy gave a moving account on her mother spent her resources to get treatment. "The government should cushion cancer patients in the country.

Were it not for Mary's strong desire to live and the funds, she would not be alive 10 years later since she was diagnosed with cancer," Dorothy said at the Don Bosco Catholic Church.
Those who eulogised Mary said she was a strong-willed woman who has been accredited with co-founding the Kenya Breast Health Programme - a breast cancer advocacy and support organisation.
Her immediate boss Mzalendo Kibunjia said an award will be started in honour of Mary, for Kenyans who have served the country selflessly.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa described Mary as a dedicated commissioner and peace ambassador who worked tirelessly. "Her work speaks for itself.
It should be emulated as she did not only fight breast cancer, but also the cancer of corruption and tribalism that is eating Kenyans," said Wamalwa.
Ida Odinga, wife to Prime Minister Raila Odinga also heaped compliments on Mary and the critical role he played in breast cancer awareness.

"She used her life's journey to change the face of breast cancer in Kenya by giving hope to cancer patients.
Also present included cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno, James Orengo, Elizabeth Ongoro, and nominated MP's Millie Odhiambo and Rachel Shebesh. US ambassador Scott Gration was also in attendance.