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  • Kenya Launches National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030

    Kenya Launches National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030

    15th January, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya

    Abel Limo

    admin

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) participated in the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to eliminate one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

    The launch took place during a National Symposium presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, as part of Kenya Cancer Awareness Month. The two-day symposium was held under the theme:
    “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman.”

    Health CS Hon. Aden Duale during the official launch of Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030.

    NCI-K was represented at the symposium by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, reaffirming the Institute’s central role in coordinating and strengthening national cancer prevention and control efforts.

    The forum brought together women leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to review progress and accelerate action across the full continuum of cervical cancer care — from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

    This Action Plan is designed to drive progress towards the WHO global 90–70–90 targets:

    • 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV
    • 70% of women screened using high-performance tests
    • 90% of women diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer or cancer receiving timely and appropriate treatment

    The Action Plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment, and long-term follow-up, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

    NCI-K remains committed to supporting the implementation of this Action Plan through coordination, advocacy, public education, and partnerships aimed at achieving a cervical cancer–free future for all women and girls in Kenya.

  • Building a Cancer-Free Future: How Kenya Is Tackling Cervical Cancer and the Wider Cancer Burden

    Building a Cancer-Free Future: How Kenya Is Tackling Cervical Cancer and the Wider Cancer Burden

    The 90–70–90 targets aim to eliminate cervical cancer by ensuring widespread HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment for all women. In Kenya, the government—through the Ministry of Health—is actively pursuing these goals as part of a comprehensive cancer control agenda. The strategy sets global targets for 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with pre-cancer or cancer receiving appropriate treatment to drastically reduce incidence and deaths within the century.

    Kenya has taken several concrete steps to make this a reality. The Ministry of Health has integrated free HPV vaccination into the national immunization programme across the country and recently transitioned to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, which increases coverage and reduces barriers for families. Screening services for cervical, breast, prostate, and other cancers are being expanded through community outreach, county health facilities, and integrated public health campaigns.

    Beyond vaccination and screening, the government is strengthening cancer care infrastructure and access. Through the Social Health Authority (SHA) oncology benefits package, millions of Kenyans receive financial support for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including expensive therapies like HER2+ breast cancer drugs at reduced cost under the SHA scheme. More cancer treatment centres—such as regional and county chemotherapy and radiotherapy units—are being established, and modern diagnostic equipment like mammography and CT scanners are being rolled out to more counties to bring services closer to patients.

    The government’s National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027 provides policy guidance across prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and research, emphasizing county partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and financing to improve access and outcomes. Kenya is also strengthening cancer data systems and population-based registries to inform evidence-based policy and improve planning and evaluation of interventions.

    Together, these efforts highlight Kenya’s strong commitment to protecting women and girls and advancing toward a cervical cancer–free future while tackling the broader cancer burden across the country.

  • The Critical Role of Early Detection in Preventing Cervical Cancer

    The Critical Role of Early Detection in Preventing Cervical Cancer

    Cervical cancer is unique because it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, provided it is detected early. In Kenya, where cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, understanding the importance of early detection is a life-saving necessity.

    1. Detection of Pre-Cancerous Lesions

    Cervical cancer does not develop overnight. It typically takes years for persistent high-risk HPV infections to cause changes in cervical cells that eventually lead to cancer.

    • Early screening (via HPV DNA testing or Pap Smears) identifies these “pre-cancerous” lesions before they become malignant.
    • When caught at this stage, simple outpatient procedures can remove the abnormal cells, effectively preventing cancer from ever developing.

    2. Higher Survival Rates

    The stage at which cancer is diagnosed is the single most important predictor of survival.

    • Early Stage: When detected at an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is over 90%.
    • Late Stage: If the cancer has spread to distant organs (metastatic), the survival rate drops significantly to below 20%. In Kenya, many patients present with Stage III or IV disease, making early detection campaigns a national priority.

    3. Less Invasive and More Affordable Treatment

    Treatment for advanced cervical cancer often requires a combination of radical surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which can be physically grueling and financially draining for families.

    • Early Detection: Treatment for early-stage disease is often less invasive, preserves fertility in younger women, and has a much shorter recovery time.
    • Economic Impact: Early intervention is significantly cheaper than managing advanced-stage cancer. Under the Social Health Authority (SHA), early screening and localized treatments are far more cost-effective for both the patient and the healthcare system.

    4. Quality of Life and Fertility Preservation

    For many women in their childbearing years, early detection offers the possibility of fertility-sparing treatments. Advanced cancer treatments often lead to premature menopause or the inability to carry a pregnancy. Early detection ensures that women can survive cancer while maintaining their quality of life and future family goals.

    5. Breaking the Cycle of Mortality in Kenya

    With roughly 9 women dying every day in Kenya from cervical cancer, early detection is the only way to break this cycle. By moving from “symptom-based” care to “screening-based” prevention, we can transform cervical cancer from a death sentence into a manageable—and eventually eliminated—health issue.

    Conclusion: Early detection is not just a medical recommendation; it is an act of empowerment. It shifts the power from the disease back to the individual, ensuring that a diagnosis does not mean the end of a life, but the beginning of a successful recovery.

  • NCI-K Facilitates Implementation and Validation of EWSS Intervention for Childhood Cancer

    NCI-K Facilitates Implementation and Validation of EWSS Intervention for Childhood Cancer

    3rd December, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya hosted representatives from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, and The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Nairobi to discuss a research project titled: “An Adapted Early Warning Signs and Symptoms (EWSS) Intervention to Improve Early Recognition and Referral of Childhood Cancers in Kenya and Cameroon.” This is a research project in partnership with the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada.

    This study seeks to generate robust evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost implications of introducing a context-adapted EWSS intervention. The aim is to equip healthcare providers and policy stakeholders with practical, evidence-based tools and guidance necessary to drastically improve the early detection and timely referral of childhood cancers.

    The project is currently being rolled out across seven pilot counties in Kenya, ensuring broad geographic representation: Machakos, Garissa, Meru, Embu, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Nairobi.

    The meeting, chaired by NCI-K CEO Dr. Elias Melly, aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation context, seeking institutional technical support for anticipated challenges, as well as expert guidance on aligning the intervention with national health priorities.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is committed to reducing the cancer burden across all age groups through evidence-based mitigation for improved childhood cancer outcomes in Kenya.

  • Zimbabwean Delegation Benchmarks at NCI-K to Establish their National Cancer Institute.

    Zimbabwean Delegation Benchmarks at NCI-K to Establish their National Cancer Institute.

    Nairobi, Kenya – 01/12/2025

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) today hosted a high-level Zimbabwean delegation for a benchmarking visit to support the creation of a Cancer Institute in Zimbabwe. This collaboration demonstrates both countries’ commitment to advancing cancer control in Africa.

    The Zimbabwean delegation, comprising senior government and regulatory officials, was led by Dr. B.M. Dube, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet.

    Zimbabwean Delegation.

    The delegates included:

    • Mr. Chiraya Anderson, Chief Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
    • Ms. Rudo Karadzandina, Deputy Director in the Office of the President.
    • Dr. Anna Mary Nyakabau, Board Chairperson, Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe.
    • Mr. Edwin Mhukayesango, Deputy Director, Radiation Protection Authority, Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe.
    • Mr. Chafumbwa Tichaona, Deputy Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
    • Ms. Edith Muterina, Representative from the Zimbabwean Embassy.

    This high-profile delegation is centrally involved in overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating national development initiatives and strategies, highlighting the priority placed on effective health sector development in Zimbabwe.

    Dr. B.M. Dube – Permanent Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet, Zimbabwe.

    NCI-K Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elias Melly, welcomed the visitors at NCI-K headquarters in Nairobi and took them through the mandate of the Institute. Key areas of focus and presentation included:

    1. Institutional Mandate and Governance: A detailed overview of the legal framework and core mandates of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, including the policies and guidelines developed to aid the national fight against cancer.
    2. Data Management and Informatics: A comprehensive presentation on the implementation and management of the National Cancer Registry system (NaCaRe), highlighting NCI-K’s approach to data collection, research, and informatics for evidence-based decision-making.
    3. Public Awareness and Education: Insights into how NCI-K passes information to the public through the Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) department, focusing on prevention, screening, and education awareness.
    4. Stakeholder Collaboration: A review of NCI-K’s successful strategy for collaborating with national and international stakeholders and partners to facilitate nationwide free cancer screenings.
    5. Cancer Care Financing and Sustainability: Lessons on how Kenya is managing comprehensive cancer care through the oncology package under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), focusing on sustainable financing, accessibility, and ensuring equitable treatment access across the population.

    This is a collaborative effort that aims to reduce the cancer burden in Africa through knowledge sharing, a step that will enable the Zimbabwean delegates to gain practical models and lessons learned in organizational structure, policy development, and data-driven cancer control, which will be invaluable as they move forward with establishing their own national institute.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is firmly committed to relentlessly reducing the national cancer burden through proper leadership, deepening partner engagements, and robust public education. The Institute has demonstrated its ability as a regional leader in effective cancer management through the development and implementation of comprehensive frameworks, such as the National Cancer Control Strategy, National Cancer Registry system (NaCaRe), Polices, and the Social Health Authority’s Oncology Package.

  • NCI-K and the American Cancer Society Convened a Validation Meeting for Kenya’s Patient Navigation Framework to Strengthen Cancer Care

    NCI-K and the American Cancer Society Convened a Validation Meeting for Kenya’s Patient Navigation Framework to Strengthen Cancer Care

    Nairobi, Kenya – 28th November 2025.

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, jointly with the American Cancer Society, convened a validation meeting for the Kenya SPARK Patient Navigation Implementation Framework, an effort to strengthen the coordination and effectiveness of cancer care in Kenya.

    Patient navigation is recognized as a great pillar in comprehensive cancer care. This framework, developed jointly by the Technical Working Group of the American Cancer Society and NCI-K, aims to address barriers that patients encounter, such as delays in diagnosis, fragmented referral pathways, limited information, and financial strain.

    In her opening remarks, Emily Barsito, the Head of Strategic Planning, Resource Mobilizations, and Partnerships Directorate at NCI-K, thanked the American Cancer Society for its partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening cancer control systems in Kenya. “We would like to register our appreciation for your partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening cancer control systems in Kenya. We look forward to continued collaboration as we move toward implementation.”

    She further affirmed NCI-K’s commitment to working collaboratively with the American Cancer Society to ensure the development of a practical and scalable framework.

    “Today’s validation meeting is more than a technical exercise. It is a moment for us to affirm our shared commitment to patient-centered cancer care. It is an opportunity to refine the Framework so that it becomes fully responsive to the needs of counties, health facilities, navigators, and most importantly, the patients we serve.”

    Navigation provides the essential support needed to keep patients engaged and empowered throughout their care journey. Evidence from around the world demonstrates that patient navigation leads to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment adherence, reduced loss to follow-up, and ultimately better health outcomes.

  • World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights

    World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025: Kenya Secures Historic 2027 Host Rights

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya led the Kenyan Delegation in attending the World Leaders’ Cancer Summit 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Cancer Council Victoria. The World Leaders’ Cancer Summit, which takes place every two years, provides an important forum to embrace opportunities and secure global, coordinated responses to the challenges faced by the cancer and health communities. 

    This was also an important moment for the nation of Kenya, as the country was officially mandated with the rights to host the 2027 World Leaders Cancer Summit in Nairobi, the first to be held on the African Continent. In her remarks after receiving the rights, Dr. Emily Barsito, Head of Partnerships, Resource Mobilizations, and Strategic Planning at NCI-K, extended gratitude to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for awarding Kenya the opportunity after a highly competitive bidding process. Securing the rights to host the 2027 Summit demonstrates the world’s recognition of Kenya as a leading country in Africa towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, particularly in the fight against cancer.

    The summit provided the Kenyan Delegation, under the leadership of NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, with a critical opportunity to maximize its networking potential by convening with influential global leaders, institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing cancer control efforts, including:

    The leadership of The Royal Children’s Hospital, hosted by Professor Michael Sullivan, a Paediatric Oncologist and Neuro-Oncologist in the Children’s Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.

    1. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, hosted by Ashlea Gilmore, Director, Partnerships and Enterprise.
    2. UICC President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, who is also a Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society, board member of the Nordic Cancer Union, and member of the Swedish Government’s Life Science Advisory Group. 
    3. CEO, Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, together with Dr. Andre Ilbawi, Lead Cancer Control, WHO.
    4. Prof. Margare Foti, CEO American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

    Traditionally, the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit partners with key international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc, to foster global cooperation and drive progress in cancer control policies and practices.

  • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most challenging cancers that is often called the “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms in its early stages.

    For many Kenyans, the first sign is subtle: a persistent stomach ache, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of the eyes. By the time these symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

    “Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early, which is why awareness is so important,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can make a real difference.”

    NCI-K CEO Dr. Elias Melly

    Deep dive into Pancreatic Cancer

    The pancreas is a vital organ that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. When cancer cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, they can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

    Detection requires a combination of imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, as well as pathology, in which tissue samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

    Thanks to NCI-K’s coordinated efforts, many counties across Kenya now have access to modern diagnostic tools and trained specialists. This ensures that patients can receive timely testing and care closer to home.


    Every Kenyan should feel empowered to discuss their health and seek medical advice without delay. Early detection remains the most effective strategy against pancreatic cancer.
     

    Human Impact

    Across Kenya, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed only after symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss become severe. Many patients seek care late, unaware that early, subtle signs could have prompted timely intervention. “Even mild changes in your health can be a signal to consult a doctor,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Raising awareness and encouraging early check-ups is key; early detection saves lives.”

    Your next move

    • Know the symptoms: abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, digestive difficulties.
    • Seek medical advice early: Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
    • Participate in screenings: Available at local health facilities or through NCI-K initiatives.
    • Raise awareness: Talk to your family, friends, and community about pancreatic cancer.

    NCI-K’s Commitment

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is dedicated to ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality cancer care from awareness and prevention to diagnosis and treatment. During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, NCI-K calls on communities to take proactive steps, join awareness campaigns, and prioritize their health. Early detection and prompt medical care save lives. Together, we can lessen the impact of pancreatic cancer in Kenya,” Dr. Melly concludes

  • The Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop

    The Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop

    17th November 2025, marked our Day 1 of the Roche–MoH–SHA MOU Implementation Workshop at the Great Rift Valley Lodge with a high-level opening plenary bringing together leadership from the Ministry of Health, NCI–Kenya, the Social Health Authority (SHA), KEMSA, the Digital Health Authority (DHA), the MoH Division of Health Products & Technologies (DHPT), Roche, and Savannah Global Health Institute (SGHI). The day set a unified tone for strengthening Kenya’s national architecture for breast and cervical cancer control.

    Sessions highlighted the current state of breast and cervical cancer in Kenya, reviewing epidemiological trends and the health system burden. Partners explored the investment case for oncology in Africa, followed by a review of health financing achievements and challenges from the previous MOU—now reframed within SHA’s expanded mandate and DHA’s emerging digital ecosystem for claims, approvals, and health data integration.

    KEMSA and DHPT shared key lessons from past collaborations in supply chain optimisation, commodity access, and regulatory alignment, while Roche provided insights on partnerships for access to innovation. SGHI contributed perspectives on systems strengthening, implementation support, and global standards that can fortify national cancer pathways.

    The afternoon was dedicated to a deep-dive workshop to co-develop clear Terms of Reference and KPIs for the new MOU. Stakeholders identified actionable priorities in screening, diagnostics, treatment access, sample referral systems, supply chain efficiency, digital health integration, and sustainable financing across all levels of care.

    Day 1 concluded with a consolidation of emerging priorities and agreement on action points, establishing a strong foundation for the technical workstreams scheduled for Day 2.

  • SHA Expands Cancer Coverage to Strengthen Cancer Care in Kenya

    The Government of Kenya, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), has expanded the Cancer Benefit Package under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) – a major step toward improving access to quality and affordable cancer care for all Kenyans.

    Appearing before the National Assembly Plenary Sitting, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, presented a comprehensive report detailing progress made under the Cancer Benefit Package. The package supports patients throughout their cancer care journey ,from diagnosis and staging to treatment and palliative care.

    According to Hon. Duale, coverage under SHA has been significantly strengthened by removing limits on treatment cycles within the annual benefit cap, ensuring fairness, flexibility, and continuity of care for patients. Currently, 140 health facilities across the country are contracted to provide comprehensive cancer services.

    To date, 33,101 patients have benefited from the package, with KSh 5.8 billion