The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Tuesday hosted representatives from the Swedish-based International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) for a joint monitoring exercise of the Equity in Cancer Care Project — a transformative partnership between Uasin Gishu County and Region Östergötland, Sweden.

The visiting ICLD delegation, led by Simon Harenstam and Johanna Wyckman, engaged with senior county health officials, medical experts, and community health stakeholders to review the project’s progress and chart its future direction.

While welcoming the delegation, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Eng. Joseph Lagat provided an overview of the project’s journey from its inception to its current milestones and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to expanding access to equitable cancer care. He also lauded the strong political goodwill that continues to drive the initiative forward.

As part of the monitoring activities, the ICLD team visited Uasin Gishu County Hospital (UGCH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), where they observed notable progress in cancer screening, patient follow-up, and support services. The number of residents accessing screening services has significantly increased, reflecting the project’s growing reach and impact.

Dr. Paul Wangwe, Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health, noted that the Equity in Cancer Care Project bridges local and international expertise — ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, can access life-saving cancer care services.

The delegation also toured Cheboin Health Centre, where they witnessed the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in delivering primary healthcare at the grassroots. The team observed ongoing training sessions and digital health engagement initiatives led by CHPs, underscoring their importance in early detection and patient support.

Primary Health Care Coordinator, Collete Chirchir, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening community participation and addressing challenges faced by CHPs. She assured both health workers and the visiting team that deliberate efforts are underway to scale up community involvement in health interventions.

Following the visit, Simon Harenstam of ICLD commended the partnership, stating:

“This collaboration is a model of how international cooperation can lead to informed decision-making and strengthen local health systems.”

Johanna Wyckman echoed his sentiments, adding:

“The dedication shown by Uasin Gishu’s political and health leadership is truly inspiring and reflects a shared commitment to health equity.”

The visit marked a significant milestone in the project’s journey and reaffirmed the value of cross-border collaboration in tackling complex health challenges such as cancer care.

Present was the County Assembly Health Committee Chair Hon Rebecca Magut.