Dorothy Nyong'o to represent the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Internationally

The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition has announced that Mrs. Dorothy Nyong'o has joined the group as an ambassador to help spread the word about ovarian cancer, address the issue of low health literacy, and encourage women in Kenya and other parts of the world to take action to increase equitable access to high-quality, affordable care.

The news coincides with World Ovarian Cancer Day, a major awareness-raising event in which almost 200 international organizations raise their voices in support of ovarian cancer research.

According to a statement from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the number of new cases of ovarian cancer in Kenya is predicted to rise by more than 130% between 2020 and 2040 if access to high-quality, affordable care does not improve.

"Unfortunately, the majority of ovarian cancer patients are women who reside in low- and middle-income regions, where access to treatment is severely constrained by a lack of efficient infrastructure, inadequate resources, and cultural obstacles. For many women and their families, receiving the proper treatment might be difficult or financially ruinous”, according to the statement.

“Even in 2023, there is still a stigma around ovarian cancer for too many people, and this stigma is exacerbated by other cultural and financial hurdles to healthcare, not only in Kenya, where I live.”

She stated, "I am thrilled to serve as an Ambassador since I was a founding trustee of the Africa Cancer Foundation so we can promote awareness and access for all women - no matter where they reside.”

Mrs. Dorothy is the Director of 7th Sense Communications Limited, the First Lady of Kisumu County, and the Managing Trustee of the Africa Cancer Foundation.

She has a B.A. with honours in French and Political Science from the University of Nairobi, an Executive M.Sc. in Organisational Development from the United States International University (Nairobi), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications.

Mrs. Dorothy will support the Coalition in its initiatives to empower the ovarian cancer community in Kenya and around the world through collaboration, knowledge, and action in her capacity as an ambassador.

"Over the next 20 years, hundreds of thousands of women's lives in Africa will be lost if we don't act now”. Clara MacKay, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, said that ovarian cancer has to be given priority so that the growing burden and difficulties of properly treating women with ovarian cancer are acknowledged and prepared for at local, regional, and national levels.

“Our collaboration with Mrs. Dorothy, who has already made significant contributions to Kenya's healthcare system and demonstrated a strong dedication to the growth and empowerment of women in her nation, is a wonderful honour. Together, we are devoted to enhancing the lives of Kenyan women who have ovarian cancer or are at risk for developing it, she continued.”