Fight against Cancer: Optiven Foundation Partners with KNH: October 14th, 2019: According to the 2018 GLOBOCAN report by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, there are approximately 47,887 new cases of Cancer in Kenya annually while 32,987 die from it yearly.
Most of these Kenyans seeking cancer treatment locally come to Nairobi from far flung parts of the country. Many times over, they have a huge challenge when it comes to accommodation, since many of them cannot afford the huge cost of accommodation in the city.
They end up spending their nights in the cold corridors of our medical facilities, as they wait for the sun to rise and another date with the medics.
“Optiven Foundation recognizes that there is a need to have a lasting solution to this problem. In this regard, we are glad to partner with Kenyatta National Hospital’s Hope Hostel Project, to help cancer patients get a proper place to sleep,” says Mr. George Wachiuri, the Chairman and Trustee of Optiven Foundation.
The Foundation has today donated Kshs100, 000 towards the construction of the upcoming hostel, which will come as a huge accommodation solution to the cancer patients.
“In 2018, we carried out a study that found out the reason why many patients do not go through the entire cancer treatment process is because they face three major challenges namely accommodation, transport cost and proper nutrition. Based on these findings, we decided to come up with a solution for these problems by coming up with this Hostel that will accommodate these patients for free, while they are going through their treatment” says Dr. Tom Bosire Menge, KNH’s Deputy Director, Affiliations & Institution Development.
According to Dr. Esther Cege Munyoro, Head Pain and Palliative Care Unit KNH, this Hostel is an undertaking that will go a long way in helping to heal the emotions and agony of thousands of Kenyans.
Indeed, the story on the agony that cancer patients go through in the process of seeking medication in Kenya is very touching, to say the least. And this facility is one way that is going to drastically bring great relief to numerous patients seeking medication at KNH.
“It is important for all of us to unite as a country and walk the talk in fighting cancer. I request all corporates and business owners to contribute towards making the lives of cancer patients more bearable,” says Mr. Wachiuri.
The Foundation Chairman has pleaded with other corporates to come together and create a difference in our society. “Let us all be the champions of positive social transformation,’ he said.
About Optiven Foundation
Optiven Foundation believes in giving back to the society. The foundation achieves this through its 4 key areas that include:
- Poverty alleviation
- Environmental protection
- Education
- Health
Amongst many other undertakings, the Foundation has managed to offer successful scholarships to hundreds of young children across all the 47 Kenyan counties through our Soaring Eagles Scholarship Programme (SESP). The Foundation also supports the Soweto Anti-Aids Children’s Home in Kayole, Embakasi District in Nairobi, which is a home that accommodates over 100 children, mostly orphaned due to Aids.
Contact Optiven Foundation:0718 776 033
Email: info@optivenfoundation.org
Website: www.optivenfoundation.org
