A collaborative effort by AstraZeneca, along with partners, has launched the Cancer Care Africa initiative in Kenya to address critical gaps in cancer care, covering the entire spectrum from diagnosis to treatment.

Asa Skiti, the Head of Communications for the African Cluster at AstraZeneca, announced the partnership with the Ministry of Health, Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology, Axios, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, and other collaborators.

Cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in Kenya and the wider African region, as indicated by World Health Organization data showing a high number of cancer cases and deaths in the country. Projections suggest a substantial increase in cancer cases and deaths across Africa by 2040.

“Despite recent increases in resources invested in cancer, several critical barriers still hinder progress including a lack of disease awareness, limited diagnostic capabilities, an absence of structured screening programmes, and challenges in accessing treatment,” Skiti mentioned.

In order to overcome these obstacles, she mentioned that they focus on developing programs in four key areas for each country they collaborate with – increasing capacity and skills; improving screening and diagnostic methods; empowering patients; and facilitating access to medications.

“We are committed to supporting more than 100 oncology centres and providing training for more than 10,000 healthcare professionals to improve quality of care delivered to patients across the continent.

“We will enhance screening and diagnostics provision for one million people across lung, breast and prostate cancer, to improve patient outcomes and reduce health system burden through early approaches.

“We will ensure we address the real needs of patients through engagement with local PAGs to support increased disease awareness and informed patient decision-making.

“We will enhance the availability of critical cancer medicines by introducing flexible models that can provide access to our innovative treatments,” she stated.

She mentioned that Cancer Care Africa donated ultrasound biopsy machines to seven hospitals in Kenya to improve early prostate cancer diagnosis before the launch.

Furthermore, she highlighted that CCA also provided the first biomarker testing machine for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations to Aga Khan University Hospital in Kenya. Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mutahi Kagwe, praised these efforts during the launch.

Kenya, Mr Nakhumicha Wafula, 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.”

Additionally, Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, stated, “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.”

According to a report from The News Agency of Nigeria, Cancer Care Africa was established in November 2002 during COP27 in Egypt.

The organization is working to help countries throughout Africa in their fight against cancer by advocating for policy changes to improve screening and diagnostics, promoting health awareness and education initiatives for patients, and providing training for healthcare professionals.

Cancer Care Africa also aims to improve access to cancer medications and enhance outcomes for all individuals affected by the disease, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This organization is a part of a global initiative called Accelerating Change Together for Cancer Care, led by AstraZeneca, which is focused on transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment to achieve better patient outcomes and support healthcare systems.