Embu, October 1, 2025: The Beyond Zero Initiative and the Embu County Government yesterday held their first Annual Review Meeting at Embu Level 5 Hospital to evaluate progress of their joint cervical cancer prevention and treatment project and chart the way forward.
The comprehensive three-year project, launched on August 30, 2024 at Kairuri Health Centre in Manyatta Sub County, was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Beyond Zero and the County Government. The initiative aims to raise awareness, promote screening, early detection and timely treatment to combat cervical cancer.
At the meeting, the partners noted that the program had recorded significant success in Manyatta Sub County during its first year, including higher screening and treatment rates, stronger community outreach through mobilization by Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and enhanced healthcare provider capacity through training and mentorship on ‘screen & treat’ approach.
The review was led by the County Health Management Team (CHMT) headed by CECM for Health Hon. Jamal Runyenje, OGW, Chief Officer for Medical Services Benjamin Kisilu, and Chief Officer for Public Health Henry Nthiga, alongside healthcare workers and the Beyond Zero team led by Program Manager Beatrice Makau.
In his remarks at the meeting, Hon. Runyenje said “I thank Beyond Zero for their strong partnership and our healthcare teams for their dedicated support. This project has already increased awareness on cervical cancer, and as we expand to Runyenjes, we have put in place structures to ensure the outreach achieves its objectives and delivers real impact for our people.”
Beyond Zero’s technical advisers, Viviane Ngugi and Jane Kiragu, also noted the milestones achieved and expressed optimism about the program’s expansion. They emphasized that with continued focus on screening, capacity building and mentorship of healthcare workers on ‘screen & treat’, and community engagement, Embu County is well on track toward achieving screening targets .
The review also highlighted ongoing challenges such as low awareness, resource constraints and the need for community engagement and screening outreaches in remote areas. The program will now be extended to Runyenjes Sub County to scale up screening and reach more women and girls.
