Closing the Cancer Care Gap: AMPATH and Partners Commemorate World Cancer Day 2023
AMPATH partners commemorated World Cancer Day themed “Close the care gap” on February 4 with a call to unite voices and take action to improve cancer care.
While cancer is the second-leading cause of death globally, 70 percent of cancer deaths occur in low-to middle-income countries such as Kenya. Approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths. Data estimates predict an increase in cancer mortality if there are no interventions. The leading cancers in Kenya are cervical, breast and oesophagus cancers in women; prostate, Kaposi sarcoma and oesophagus cancers in men; and blood cancers in children.
The World Cancer Day advocacy and sensitization walk was led by the CEO of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Dr. Wilson K. Aruasa, MBS, EBS, and the County Executive Committee-Member (CEC-M) for Health of Uasin Gishu County, Dr. Sammy Kotut. Medical and teaching staff, students and cancer survivors from AMPATH, MTRH, Moi University School of Medicine and residents walked from the MTRH Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre through Eldoret Town to the Nandi Gardens raising awareness with the public. There were health talks, cancer survivors and caregivers recounting their journey, and a free cancer screening camp.
In his speech, Dr. Aruasa said that the hospital, through the Government of Kenya (GoK), and partners have made robust investments for the screening, treatment and management of all cancers. “Unlike years ago, when Kenyans had to travel outside the country for specialized cancer treatment, MTRH now offers cutting-edge curative and palliative cancer care, management, and treatment. I encourage all to go for early and regular screening. Take advantage of the free cancer screening provided today by this team and in those offered in our facilities on any other day. Most cancers can be prevented through prevention and early detection”
Dr. Beatrice Melly, the Ag. Director of Haemato-Oncology, added that cancer care needs to evolve to include preventive measures. “This year, the conversation is about closing the gap in access to care in oncology and we need to do that through education and sensitization of prevention, screening and early treatment.”
The 2022 report by the National Cancer Taskforce confirms that there is a large gap in providing cancer care in Kenya. The report identifies challenges in cancer prevention and control in Kenya including: high cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment; limited service availability and poorly coordinated cancer management and referral; a lack of public awareness on prevention and control; inadequate human resource availability and capacity; lack of multi-sectoral coordination structures and collaboration; limited funding for cancer prevention and control; and limited cancer research both in capacity and availability to inform policy.
Dr. Aruasa emphasizes prevention and strongly discouraged the use of alcohol and other forms of drugs noting that they either cause or catalyze the development of cancers. “Every day and night many dollars will be spent by people engaging in reckless drug and alcohol abuse that greatly contributes to ill health. Additionally, we eat unhealthy foods and do not exercise much. We must understand that unhealthy lifestyles largely contribute to some of the cancers and other chronic diseases”
Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii, in a speech read by Dr. Kotut, committed to closing the existing gaps in Human Resources for Health, improving the existing infrastructure, and ensuring the existence of sufficient pharmaceutical products as well as strengthening primary healthcare.
MTRH offers cancer care and treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, brachytherapy, cancer screening, counselling, day-care blood transfusion and palliative care. The hospital also offers free screening for breast and cervical cancer. More than 1,000 patients per month are seen at the MTRH Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre.
Working with AMPATH partners, trainings include fellowships in pediatric oncology, gynecology oncology and medical oncology in addition to diploma and certificate programs, tumor boards and workshops. AMPATH investigators conduct cancer research to improve care for people with many types of cancers.
AMPATH Oncology programs continue to build capacity for cancer care in MTRH and other clinical sites in western Kenya through the following programs:
• AMPATH Multiple Myeloma
• AMPATH Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program
• AMPATH Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program
• Burkitt and Lymphoma Program (BLP)
• Paediatric Oncology program
• Hematology program for people living with sickle cell and haemophilia
Other partners who participated in the World Cancer Day walk included Safaricom, Eldoret Hospice, Eldoret Oncology Associates, Alexandria Cancer Centre, Coca-Cola, Faraja Cancer Support Trust, Salvation Army, media, Solace Cancer Foundation and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Eldoret.