Julia, a Kenyan, began her journey in the spring of 1996. While pursuing further studies in Washington DC, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After months of living through pain, fear, and prolonged treatment, she realized that she had been selected for a mission that she is now set to accomplish.

Today, as the founder of the Kenya Breast Health Programme, she believes that nothing happens in life without a reason. Her courage and outspokenness has encouraged women in Kenya to talk about breast cancer, a topic considered taboo to some in Kenya and only whispered among others. She is fighting to demystify the disease to the Kenyan public and encourage women to speak about it. She has also proved that cancer does not necessarily dictate a death sentence.

Through the Kenya Breast Health Programme, hosted by the YWCA of Kenya, Julia has encouraged women to learn as much as possible about their reproductive health with the goal of improving women's health in the 21st century. Her vision is that all women will be better informed on the benefits of breast self-exams and that all will have access to machines for early detection of breast cancer. She is also pushing for a successful baseline survey on the disease in Kenya.

The national Kenya Breast Health Programme (KBHP) builds awareness about breast cancer to reduce the stigma associated with the disease, encourages more women and men to seek treatment if they detect an abnormality, and encourages breast cancer survivors to reach out to other women who have the disease, to create a community of hope.

To increase knowledge and understanding of the disease, community awareness forums break the wall of fear and silence between the doctors and the community, empower women with the knowledge to take action and help them make informed decisions about treatment and address the social barriers that hinder women's access to care and treatment.

The programme mobilizes doctors, researchers and policy makers to inform decision-makers about national breast cancer realities faced by Kenyan women. They have extremely limited access to information about breast self-exams, medical facts about breast cancer, and mammogram machines. Only a very few have access to chemotherapy or other means of treatment.

Drawing from the successful American experience of improving breast health, the programme has sought to adapt and replicate these lessons in the local Kenyan environment. It was only after US communities affected by breast cancer began grassroots organizing and education efforts that the general public became aware of the prevalence of the disease and greater efforts made to create effective treatment options and research for a cure. Four US-Kenya study visits organized by the KBHP have helped facilitate sharing of medical knowledge and resources.

In December 1998, the first KBHP workshop was held in Nairobi at the YWCA headquarters. Bringing together 35 women from throughout Kenya, some of whom were breast cancer survivors, the workshop's objective was to create awareness of breast health, share experiences and concerns about breast health and develop strategies in response to emerging issues. Dr. Leah Kirumbi, a gynaecologist, spoke to the women about breast cancer detection, treatment, and the importance of self-examinations. She encouraged participants to see a doctor if they suspected a difference in their breasts.

After a year of organizing, the Kenya Breast Health Programme was officially launched in Washington DC in September 1999. This kick-off event was attended by YWCA of the USA President, Alexine Clement Jackson, the World YWCA General Secretary, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, the Executive Director of the World Day of Prayer, Eileen King and other friends of the programme. The KBHP soon published its first newsletter, distributed to all programme participants as well as medical professionals, NGOs, and community organizations.

Two study visits held in different provinces in Kenya were coordinated by KBHP. With assistance from the USA medical community, the study visits helped launch the breast health programme throughout Kenya. The visiting American doctors were Dr. Joyce Holley and Dr. Fredrick Barr, oncologists from Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. The first study visit provided training to over 170 community health educators/leaders.

During this visit, Dr. Barr facilitated a workshop for people with various categories of disabilities on the theme: "Challenges facing people with disabilities and cancer." Some 60 women and men with disabilities attended. They were intrigued by this health message they had never heard before: that while cancer affects people with disabilities and the able alike, the trauma of living with cancer and disability is even greater. The large number of questions that followed demonstrated the importance of this topic.

Building on the first, the second visit focused on collaboration with Kenyan physicians on the latest research, clinical trials, and techniques. With help from these international partners, these two visits resulted in the identification of breast cancer information and resources for training relevant to the African context.

The third study visit grew out of the need to gain widespread support for KBHP by developing diverse partners, beginning with the Kenyan community in the USA. This was done by organizing events to mobilize them. For example, a group of Kenyans living in Washington DC were inspired by Ms. Mulaha's story to organize a team to run in the Race for the Cure sponsored by the Suzanne G. Komen Foundation.

The fourth study visit, held May 3-17, 2001 was recently completed in Washington, DC. A group of Kenyans committed to the mission of KBHP since its inception were part of this visit. The visit's major focus was the National Breast Cancer Advocacy Training Conference, held in Washington, DC from May 5-9.