In a transformative move for Kenya’s healthcare landscape, a leading global healthcare company has partnered with a prominent Kenyan medical facility to introduce precision cancer care locally.
The collaboration between Cancer Care Kenya and Health Care Global, aims to provide advanced, personalized treatment options to Kenyan patients, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare sector.
On 25 April,the two partners officially launched an advanced positron Emission Tomography -Computed Tomography (PET-CT) machine that will be used to diagnose cancer and monitor treatment.
Cancer has become a leading cause of death in Kenya, with an estimated 47,000 new cases and 33,000 deaths annually. The disease is also the third leading cause of death in the country, with projections indicating that by 2028, the number of new cancer cases will rise to approximately 58,000 per year .
More than 10,000 Kenyans travel abroad for treatment spending over KSh 10 annually.
“Patients suspected to have cancer in Kenya may nolonger need to travel abroad for precision diagnosis and therapy.These are now available locally, Said HCG Executive Chairman Dr.Ajai Kumar.
“Patients will now avoid spending huge amounts on travel, accommodation, diagnosis and treatment abroad in countries such as India and South Africa.”
Despite these alarming statistics, access to comprehensive cancer care remains limited. According to a report by the National Cancer Institute, only about 23% of all cancer patients in Kenya have access to the cancer management services they need . This disparity highlights the urgent need for improved cancer care infrastructure and services.
“The partnership will to bridge this gap by introducing precision cancer care to the local context. Precision cancer care involves tailoring treatment plans to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This personalized approach has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.”
The collaboration will bring state-of-the-art technology and expertise to Kenya, enabling the local facility to offer treatments that were previously unavailable in the region. This includes advanced diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients’ genetic profiles.
The Kenyan medical facility, which has been at the forefront of cancer treatment in the country, will now have access to cutting-edge technologies and training from the global partner. This collaboration is set to enhance the facility’s capacity to diagnose and treat various types of cancer more effectively.
Health experts have lauded the partnership, noting that it addresses a critical gap in cancer care in Kenya. With limited access to advanced treatment options, many patients have had to seek care abroad, often at great personal and financial cost. This initiative aims to make high-quality cancer care more accessible and affordable for Kenyans.
The partnership also includes a component focused on research and development, with plans to conduct clinical trials and studies to further advance cancer treatment in the region. This collaborative effort is expected to position Kenya as a leader in cancer research and treatment in Africa.
Patients and healthcare professionals alike are optimistic about the potential impact of this collaboration. With the promise of more effective treatments and improved outcomes, the partnership represents a hopeful future for cancer care in Kenya.
