An initiative that is aimed at tackling critical gaps in cancer treatment, from diagnosing the disease to providing proper medical care has been launched by AstraZeneca, along with Kenya’s Ministry of Health and other healthcare organizations in Kenya.
Tagged ‘Cancer Care Africa (CCA)’, the initiative will transform cancer care across the country.
The launch of the initiative is coming at a time when Kenya faces a growing challenge with cancer, with thousands of citizens diagnosed with the disease each year. These numbers are expected to rise in the coming decades, giving rise to a broader concern across Africa.
Ahead of the launch, Cancer Care Africa has already donated ultrasound biopsy machines to seven hospitals across Kenya to enhance early prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as donating the country’s first biomarker testing machine for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations to Aga Khan University Hospital.
speaking about the initiative, Hon. Nakhumicha S. Wafula EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya, said, “The launch of the Cancer Care Africa programme in Kenya is a significant step towards improving cancer care for all. This collaborative initiative has the potential to significantly improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of Kenyans impacted by this disease, as well as their families and communities.”
Also, Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “With an increasing number of patients being diagnosed with cancer in Kenya and across Africa in the coming decades, joint action to improve patient outcomes and safeguard health care systems for the future has never been more important. The Cancer Care Africa programme will support early detection, increase timely diagnosis, and improve access to treatment options for patients across Kenya.”
Four ways CCA will address the challenge:
Building Expertise: The program will train over 10,000 healthcare professionals and support more than 100 oncology centers, improving the quality of care available to patients throughout Kenya.
Earlier Detection: CCA will focus on improving screening and diagnostic capabilities for lung, breast, and prostate cancers. This aims to identify the disease at earlier stages, leading to better outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Patient Empowerment: The program will work with local patient advocacy groups to raise awareness about cancer and equip patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care.
Medicine Accessibility: CCA will work towards making essential cancer medications more readily available by introducing flexible access models for AstraZeneca’s innovative treatments.