In a significant boost to prostate cancer diagnosis in Kenya, AstraZeneca (www.AstraZeneca.com) announced the donation of a cutting-edge ultrasound biopsy machine to Kenyatta National Hospital. This agreement is part of AstraZeneca’s larger initiative to equip seven Centres of Excellence in hospitals across Kenya with similar state-of-the-art diagnostic tools in partnership with The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI Kenya) and the Kenya Association of Urological Surgeons (KAUS).
AstraZeneca’s donations aim to address the current scenario where a staggering 80% of prostate cancer patients in Kenya are diagnosed with advanced disease stages (https://apo-opa.info/3MufR7Y) and aggressive tumours. By boosting equitable access to state-of-the-art technology that can provide early and accurate detection, the donation is expected to enhance survival rates among prostate cancer patients significantly.
This initiative, inaugurated at Kenyatta National Hospital, is the cornerstone of AstraZeneca’s Cancer Care Africa programme in Kenya. Launched in November 2022, Cancer Care Africa aspires to improve outcomes for every individual affected by cancer in Kenya and across the continent, irrespective of their socio-economic or geographic background. Additionally, it emphasises health equity through the adoption of trailblazing health technologies that make cancer screening more widely accessible, even in the most remote and underserved communities.
Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa, AstraZeneca, said, “AstraZeneca is deeply committed to bolstering healthcare systems in Africa, supporting them to become more resilient and sustainable. Our partnership with the National Cancer Institute of Kenya and KAUS to address prostate cancer symbolises our dedication to fighting the growing burden of cancer in Kenya. By improving equitable access to technology that enables early diagnosis, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and, in the process, transform cancer care on the continent.”
Dr Elias Melly, CEO, National Cancer Institute of Kenya, said, “This exciting new partnership transcends the immediate benefits to patients. By enhancing the ability of our healthcare system to fight the growing challenge of cancer, we are empowering communities to seek better cancer care and ultimately experience better outcomes. It’s a transformative step towards a healthier tomorrow.”
Dr Evanson Kamuri, CEO, Kenyatta National Hospital, said, “The introduction of this ultrasound biopsy machine represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance prostate cancer diagnosis. Early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes for patients. With this advanced equipment, we aim to reduce the number of late-stage diagnoses and provide more effective treatments to those under our care.”
The seven hospitals across Kenya to be equipped with an ultrasound biopsy machine by the end of the year include Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi), Moi University Teaching&Referral Hospital (Eldoret), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral&Research Hospital (Nairobi), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching&Referral Hospital (Kisumu), Coast General Teaching&Referral Hospital (Mombasa), Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (Meru), and Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kakamega).
Once the ultrasound biopsy machine is in place, the initiative will also equip Kenyatta National Hospital with 3-4 reusable biopsy guns and 10,000 specialist kits that help diagnose prostate cancer through a blood test. These tools all aid the detection of prostate cancer, helping to improve the patient journey as well as outcomes.
As part of the partnership, NCI Kenya and KAUS will also set the benchmark for prostate cancer practice and standards across counties, ensuring each of the seven hospital centres excel in clinical care, research innovation, and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AstraZeneca.
More about:
Cancer Care Africa:
Founded by AstraZeneca in 2022, Cancer Care Africa is a multisector initiative designed to address the growing cancer burden on the African continent, and the urgent need for action. Cancer Care Africa aids countries in their fight against cancer by advocating for policy changes to improve outcomes for all individuals affected by the disease, irrespective of their demographic, geographic, or socio-economic status. It also encourages the adoption of innovative health technologies to make cancer screening more accessible, especially in remote and underserved communities. For more information, visit: Cancer Care Africa (https://apo-opa.info/45Xh3Z2).
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH):
Kenyatta National Hospital, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is Kenya’s oldest and largest hospital. Founded in 1901, KNH serves as a referral and teaching hospital while providing specialised medical care and health services to patients across East Africa. The hospital remains at the forefront of the region’s medical research, innovation, and patient care. For more information, please visit: KNH.or.ke
The National Cancer Institute Kenya (NCI Kenya):
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya operates under the Ministry of Health to guide the implementation of cancer control strategies at a national level. Committed to reducing cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates in Kenya, NCI focuses on research, capacity building, and the promotion of cancer awareness and early detection. For more information, please visit: NCIKenya.go.ke
Kenya Association of Urological Surgeons (KAUS):
KAUS is a professional association that promotes excellence in urological practice in Kenya. Through educational events, research, and collaboration, KAUS brings together the country’s leading urologists to share knowledge, set clinical standards, and advance the field to benefit all Kenyans. For more information, please visit: www.KAUS.or.ke
AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal&Metabolism, and Respiratory&Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit AstraZeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter https://apo-opa.info/3PvzjDT.