EMBU COUNTY 22nd November, 2025: The Beyond Zero Initiative, in partnership with the Embu County Department of Health Services, has completed a week-long training targeting more than 200 primary healthcare workers in an effort to strengthen cervical cancer awareness, screening, early detection, and management across the county.
The training brought together 40 Community Health Assistants (CHAs) and Public Health Officers (PHOs) at Dallas Community Social Hall, followed by another session for 80 Community Health Promoters (CHPs). At the same time, a separate group of 120 CHPs underwent similar training at ACK Kagaari Primary & Junior School in Runyenjes. Participants were drawn from Embu North and Embu West sub-counties.
The sessions equipped health workers with improved skills in cervical cancer prevention, screening techniques, client support, and referral systems, with a strong emphasis on early detection, a key pillar in Beyond Zero’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal deaths. Interactive breakout sessions allowed participants to share experiences, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of community-based interventions.
The training forms part of Beyond Zero’s larger mission to contribute toward achieving the global “90-70-90” WHO cervical cancer elimination targets by 2030. By strengthening frontline health workers, the initiative continues to expand access to free screening and promote community health literacy in hard-to-reach areas.
Embu County Executive Committee Member for Health, Hon. Jamal Runyenje, commended the partnership, noting the direct impact such empowerment has on reducing preventable deaths. “We are grateful to Beyond Zero for partnering with us to strengthen community-level health services and reduce mortality rates across our county,” he said.
He further applauded the healthcare workers for their dedication and vital role in community health delivery. “Community Health Promoters remain the bridge between the health system and the community. Their work determines how quickly illnesses are detected and how many lives can be saved,” he added.
Besides the capacity building sessions, there were also free breast and cervical cancer screening at Ena Dispensary and Market, offering women immediate access to vital diagnostic services.
The Beyond Zero Initiative continues to collaborate with various counties across the nation to empower health workers and expand access to preventive healthcare, ensuring that women and girls particularly in underserved communities receive timely, life-saving services.
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