09/07/2026
We are pleased to announce another major milestone in strengthening cervical cancer prevention services in Embu County following the successful activation of all three GeneXpert machines for HPV DNA testing. The machines are now fully operational at Embu Level 5 Hospital, Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital and Ishiara Hospital, bringing advanced cervical cancer screening services closer to our communities.
Today, during the Daktari Mashinani medical outreach in Runyenjes, we successfully conducted HPV DNA testing, with samples being processed locally at Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital. This marks a significant achievement in decentralizing diagnostic services and ensuring that women can access timely, high-quality cervical cancer screening closer to where they live.
HPV DNA testing is a more sensitive, accurate and simpler screening method compared to the traditional Pap smear. By activating these GeneXpert platforms, we expect significantly shorter turnaround times for results, enabling earlier diagnosis, prompt clinical management and reducing the diagnostic workload at Embu Level 5 Hospital.
This achievement is a key step towards supporting the World Health Organization's 90-70-90 strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer and reflects our continued commitment to investing in innovative technologies that improve healthcare access, quality and patient outcomes across Embu County.
We encourage all eligible women to take advantage of HPV DNA screening services now available in our facilities. Early detection saves lives, and together, we can make cervical cancer preventable, detectable and treatable.
