Dorothy Nyong'o Secures Seat on Pan-African Breast Cancer Council

Kisumu First Lady Dorothy Nyong'o has been appointed to the Africa Breast Cancer Council.

The nonprofit organization, established by prominent African women leaders, focuses on addressing the critical challenges of breast cancer care across Africa. Reports indicate that breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among African women. The Council has established an ambitious objective to substantially reduce breast cancer diagnosis times from six months to 60 days within five years, thus addressing key barriers including healthcare system inefficiencies, geographical accessibility to medical facilities, and limited awareness about breast self-examination.

Following the announcement, Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has expressed his congratulations to his wife, acknowledging her dedicated work in healthcare advocacy. The Council's efforts will be strengthened through a strategic partnership with renowned biotechnology company Roche to enhance healthcare system coordination, improve data collection mechanisms, and advance patient care outcomes. The Council brings together distinguished healthcare leaders, including Dr. Miriam Mutebi, Kenya's pioneering female breast cancer surgeon, and Magda Robalo who serves as president and co-founder of The Institute for Global Health and Development of Guinea-Bissau.

“Congratulations to Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o, on your appointment to the Africa Breast Cancer Council,” he shared.

This ten-member council will collaborate to advance healthcare equity and develop partnerships aimed at improving cancer screening and diagnostic capabilities throughout Africa. Recent statistics disclose that over 60% of breast cancer cases in Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly diminishing survival rates and escalating treatment costs. Dorothy Nyong'o has garnered widespread recognition for her exemplary efforts in cancer awareness and philanthropic endeavours. Her professional background includes consultancy roles for both governmental and non-governmental organizations, notably International Planned Parenthood Kenya (IPPK) and Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK).

In her capacity as a researcher, Mrs Nyong'o authored a significant report titled "Strategies for Increasing the Visibility of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya," which has proven invaluable to these institutions.
Her commitment to this cause was further galvanized in 2010 when her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Leveraging her position, she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance public understanding of cancer prevention, management, and treatment, with a particular focus on the Nyanza region and beyond.