Duale launches affordable breast cancer treatment in Kenya

Breast cancer patients in Kenya will soon pay much less for treatment, with costs dropping from Ksh120,000 to Ksh40,000 per session.

This reduction follows a new agreement between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially launched the partnership, which involves the Ministry’s Social Health Authority (SHA) and Roche East Africa.

“This partnership aims to strengthen financial protection for patients battling cancer, one of Kenya’s leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in line with the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda,” read the statement posted on X by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

The agreement sets the treatment cost at Ksh40,000 per session, with no extra fees for patients. It will be available in all SHA-approved facilities, including public, faith-based, and private hospitals, ensuring fair access for everyone.

The partnership includes:

• Better access to vital cancer medicines and diagnostic tools
• Training for healthcare workers on breast and cervical cancer care
• More screening and early detection programmes to improve outcomes

Vision for better healthcare

Duale emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to improving Kenya’s healthcare system. This includes using digital tools to tackle fake medicines and unqualified practitioners.

“This partnership is not only about reducing treatment costs; it’s about saving lives, promoting equity, and reinforcing the integrity of our healthcare system,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

The launch was attended by key figures, including Roche East Africa General Manager Jacqueline Wambua, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed, Acting SHA CEO Robert Ingasira, Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Fred Siyoi, and KMPDC CEO David Kariuki.

This announcement comes a day after Duale addressed the breakdown of the LINAC cancer treatment machine at Kenyatta National Hospital. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, Duale apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured the public that the Ministry is fast-tracking the procurement of a replacement machine.

He noted that the hospital’s Cobalt radiotherapy machine remains fully operational, and patient referrals are ongoing to ensure continued care.

You might also like

411

Duale says he has asked Ruto for place to put up mosque at State House

411

Duale backs Ruto’s shoot-in-the-leg orders

411

Duale announces death of Chief Khadi Abdulhalim Hussein