Bringing Cancer Screening Closer to Communities: GHI Kenya and Partners Reach Hundreds in Kisumu West

Reaching More People Through Community-Based Screening

While the outreach began at Ojola Sub-County Hospital, organizers quickly observed that attendance was lower than anticipated during the first day. Rather than maintaining a facility-only approach, teams adapted rapidly by extending services to nearby Ongalo Dispensary and later establishing screening stations at Kisian Market, one of the busiest community gathering points in the area.

The results were immediate and encouraging.

Two market shops were converted into private screening rooms for women, while men’s screening services were initially conducted in the mobile clinic and later extended directly into the market area. Additional community mobilization efforts, including public-address announcements, helped raise awareness and increase participation.

By the final day, approximately half of the outreach workforce was stationed at Kisian Market. GHI Kenya further strengthened the deployment by providing a tent and seating to improve client flow, waiting areas, and comfort. The market-based model proved highly successful and significantly increased community participation.

The screening numbers increased steadily each day as community-based services expanded and awareness grew. The experience reinforced the importance of meeting people where they live, work, and gather.

Leadership, Learning and Community Engagement

The outreach benefited from the participation of numerous healthcare professionals, volunteers, records officers, mobilizers, and community leaders. GHI Kenya’s team included Dr. May Maloba, Kevin Oyowe, Caroline Otieno, and volunteer Effie from Ojola.

The activity also received notable visits from Kisumu County First Lady Dorothy Nyong’o and Kisumu County CEC Health Dr. Gregory Ganda, who joined screening activities and helped support referrals identified through community outreach efforts.

Community engagement efforts included SMS mobilization campaigns, collaboration with local health representatives, community health promoters, and public-address announcements that encouraged residents to take advantage of the free services.

Key Lessons Learned

One of the most important findings from the outreach was the effectiveness of combining facility-based services with community-based deployments. While health facilities remain essential referral and coordination centres, bringing screening services directly into community spaces significantly improved access and participation.

The outreach also highlighted the importance of:

• Early and targeted community mobilization

• Flexible operational planning

• Dedicated counselling capacity

• Reliable power and transport arrangements

• Strong digital systems for data capture and follow-up

• Market and community-centred deployment models for preventive health services

Looking Ahead

The Kisumu West outreach demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and community-centred healthcare delivery. Through the combined efforts of GHI Kenya, Africa Cancer Foundation, Kisumu County Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, volunteers, and community leaders, hundreds of residents gained access to vital cancer screening services that may ultimately save lives through earlier detection and treatment.

As GHI Kenya continues to strengthen cancer prevention and digital health initiatives across the region, the lessons learned from Kisumu West will help shape future outreach programs. By expanding community-based screening models, strengthening referral pathways, and leveraging digital health technologies such as the Community CATSystem, future initiatives can reach even more people and contribute to improved cancer outcomes across Kenya.