AstraZeneca inaugurated its innovative Cancer Care Africa program in Kenya, partnering with the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology, Axios, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, and other stakeholders. This unique initiative aims to enhance every step of cancer care from diagnosis to treatment by adopting a community-based approach to innovate and improve services. The launch event in Nairobi was attended by key figures such as Susan Nakhumicha, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health; Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya; and Dave Fredrickson from AstraZeneca.
Cancer poses a growing health threat in Kenya, with the World Health Organization recording 44,726 new cases and 29,317 deaths in 2022. The problem is even more stark when considering the expected surge across Africa to 2.1 million cases and 1.4 million deaths annually by 2040.
AstraZeneca’s program is set to combat critical challenges in cancer care, such as low disease awareness and limited diagnostic tools. Specific strategies include expanding training for healthcare workers, enhancing diagnostic services, empowering patients, and improving access to essential medicines. Notably, the initiative has already made significant contributions by donating cutting-edge medical equipment to several Kenyan hospitals.
Susan Nakhumicha emphasized the program’s potential to transform cancer care in Kenya, highlighting the benefits for patients, families, and communities. Dave Fredrickson also underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to boost early detection and treatment accessibility, which are crucial for improving patient outcomes and sustaining healthcare systems in Kenya and beyond.
Launched initially at the COP27 conference in Egypt, Cancer Care Africa is now actively promoting policy changes, health education, and capacity building across the continent, aiming to universally enhance cancer care outcomes.
