Kwale Oncology Center opens, expanding cancer care access

KENYA– The Kwale Sub-County Hospital Oncology Centre has officially been inaugurated, marking a significant step forward in bringing life-saving cancer treatment services closer to residents of the coastal region.

The inauguration coincided with the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kwale County, which also witnessed the launch of a Renal Unit at Kinango County Hospital, both under the leadership of Kilifi County Governor Fatuma Achani. 

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa, attended the oncology center’s inauguration, alongside several prominent leaders from the G7 Strategy County Chapter Activation, including governors H.E. Anne Waiguru, H.E. Wavinya Ndeti, H.E. Cecily Mbarire, H.E. Susan Kihika, and H.E. Gladys Wanga.

Other notable attendees included Dr. Elias Melly, the CEO of the National Cancer Institute, and Ms. Mary Mwiti, the CEO of the Council of Governors (COG).

The new oncology center is expected to significantly reduce the burden on cancer patients by offering localized treatment options, thus minimizing the need for long-distance travel to larger cancer treatment facilities in other parts of the country.

This is a critical development as breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in Kenya, accounting for 23% of all cancer with over 7,200 new cases annually.

 Unfortunately, many of these cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making timely access to care even more important.

The establishment of more public cancer treatment centers, such as the one in Kwale, forms a crucial part of the government’s broader strategy to improve healthcare under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.

This effort is particularly timely as it aligns with the current Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is themed “Close the Gap: Improving Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support.”

The theme serves as a call to action to ensure that all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to affordable, timely, and effective cancer care.

According to Dr. Barasa highlighted that the Kwale Oncology Centre launch is part of the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) Project, which Kenya is piloting alongside Cote d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe.

The WICS initiative aims to provide integrated cancer services, particularly for breast and cervical cancers.

In addition, the project will be rolled out in Nyandarua and Bungoma counties, with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Roche.

This pilot project is expected to serve as a model for the expansion of comprehensive cancer care across the country, ultimately working towards a significant reduction in cancer mortality rates.

During the event, Dr. Barasa reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and encouraged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access essential services, including cancer care.

“Through initiatives like this, alongside universal health coverage and the Social Health Authority, we are taking concrete steps toward reducing mortality rates and providing comprehensive care,” she stated

 She also called on the public to participate in early cancer screenings and support community-based cancer prevention efforts, which are crucial in combating the rising cancer cases in Kenya. 

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and  insights from Africa and the World HERE