KENYA– The new National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027, has been launched to define a new era of reduction in cancer burden and improve patient care and outcomes in the country.
Unveiled by the Ministry of Health, Kenya, the new strategy seeks to address the significant burden of cancer by providing essential policy guidance on targeted interventions for combating cancer.
During the launch ceremony, Mr Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, emphasized the strategic importance of the document in facilitating close collaboration between the National Government and County Governments to control cancer effectively.
Furthermore, Mr. Kimtai attributed the success of the strategic plan to the unwavering support of Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha from the Ministry of Health, along with the technical expertise provided by professionals from public, private, and faith-based institutions.
“Their collective efforts have been instrumental in shaping the comprehensive approach of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027,” said the Principal Secretary.
The 2023-2027 strategy is structured around five key pillars that align with the entire cancer control continuum.
These pillars encompass Cancer Prevention and early detection, Cancer Imaging, Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine Diagnostic Services.
The new strategy will also focus on Cancer Treatment, Palliative care, and Survivorship, Cancer Advocacy, Coordination, Partnership, and Financing, as well as Cancer Strategic Information, Registration, and Surveillance.
The Ministry of Health also said that it will commission the National Cancer Reference Laboratory.
A new plan to deal with cancer in a better way
The 2023-2027 strategic plan also seeks to address the challenge of stigma that has made many patients fear to come out and seek treatment.
The plan will also see the ministry increase the country’s capacity for a skilled multi-disciplinary team of oncologists across all levels of care.
The implementation of the strategy will require US$ 347 million over the next five years.
A total of US$16.4 million will be required for screening programs, US$11.3 million to combat childhood cancers, and US$ 95.4 million for adulthood cancers.
Key on the agenda is to reduce premature deaths from cancer in Kenya by a third by the year 2028.
According to the head of the National Cancer Control Programme at the ministry Mary Nyangasi, 42,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the country annually with 27,000 deaths being reported.
“We’re looking at scaling up cancer diagnosis so that all 47 counties, all county referral facilities should actually be able to do diagnostic biopsies for cancer patients,” Nyangasi said.
Nyangasi pointed out that the goal of the new strategy was to provide quality and equitable cancer prevention and early detection services to reduce the preventable burden of cancer.
This will also see the ministry focus on reducing exposure to modifiable cancer risk factors and addressing underlying social and environmental determinants.
This will include creating awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and associated products from 13.3 percent to seven percent by 2028 and reducing the prevalence of alcohol use from 19 percent to 10 percent by 2028.
“We are seeking to increase the diversity and capacity of the health workforce and healthcare service delivery systems for cancer screening and early diagnosis,” added Nyangasi at the unveiling ceremony.
The Burden of Cancer in Kenya
A survey conducted between August and September 2020 found that most women found with breast abnormalities after ultrasound and mammography tests are never referred for diagnosis.
The health facilities mostly health centers and Level 4 hospitals, do not even follow up on them, though some of the abnormalities are likely to be early-stage cancer.
The ministry surveyed 439 facilities, all with ultrasound, to identify gaps in breast cancer management.
According to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the country after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, cancer illness and deaths have been on the increase due to the demo-epidemiologic transition, thus proper planning for cancer prevention and control is necessary.
Moreover, up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year through resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and timely and quality treatment since at least one-third of cancers can be prevented.
Quoting The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Nyangasi stated, “7 million lives could be saved over the next decade by identifying the most approximate science for each country situation by basing strong cancer responses on universal health coverage and by mobilizing different stakeholders to work together.”
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.
