Kenya Commits to Enhanced Cancer Care at Kisumu Conference

𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐮, 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 – The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Dr. Deborah Barasa, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening cancer care during the 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference held in Kisumu. 

Speaking under the theme “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World,” Dr. Barasa outlined the government’s interventions to address the growing cancer burden and improve access to care. Cancer ranks as the third leading cause of death in Kenya and the second among noncommunicable diseases, with 44,726 new cases and 29,317 deaths annually. Dr. Barasa acknowledged the need for collective action to bridge gaps in care, emphasizing early detection and equitable treatment. 

She announced plans to decentralize cancer care through the establishment of regional cancer centers. Operational facilities in Nakuru, Mombasa, and Garissa will be complemented by new centers in Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, and Nyeri. These regional hubs aim to decongest referral hospitals and bring critical services closer to communities. 

Through Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the inclusion of cancer care in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) has helped reduce the financial burden on patients. Dr. Barasa also highlighted the progress in cervical cancer screening programs, with HPV testing and community-based initiatives enhancing early diagnosis. 

Recognizing the shortage of specialists as a persistent challenge, she emphasized ongoing efforts to expand training for oncologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses. 

Additionally, the Ministry is setting up a National Cancer Reference and Research Laboratory to improve diagnostics, enable clinical trials, and enhance patient outcomes. 

Dr. Barasa commended the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) for its leadership in professional development and resource mobilization. She also acknowledged the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, led by Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny and CEO Dr. Elias Melly, for spearheading initiatives to improve cancer care. She urged stakeholders to support the National Cancer Registry, highlighting the need for accurate data to guide research and policymaking. 

Public-private partnerships, she noted, remain critical in acquiring advanced equipment and scaling up support programs. “Together, we can build resilient systems, foster innovation, and ensure equitable access to cancer care for all Kenyans,” Dr. Barasa emphasized. 

The conference, hosted by KESHO, brought together experts, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing cancer care amid emerging challenges.