Health Advocates Demand Immediate Action to Safeguard Cancer and NCD Care on World Cancer Day

Aoma Keziah

By Aoma Keziah,

In picture, cancer patients present , during the press briefing.

As the world marks World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme “United by Unique,” a powerful message was shared by key health organizations in Kenya, including the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO), Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya (CSAK), NCD Alliance Kenya (NCDAK), the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO), and several other Civil Society Organizations, have issued an urgent call for immediate action to safeguard cancer and non-communicable disease (NCD) services amidst disruptions caused by the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Following the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), multiple issues have emerged, jeopardizing the treatment and well-being of thousands of patients across the country. Despite government assurances, patients have faced disruptions in accessing critical services that were previously covered by NHIF, including life-saving cancer medications, diagnostic tools, and essential treatments.

Key issues raised by Health Advocates include: shortage of Life-Saving Cancer Medication a critical shortage of Herceptin (trastuzumab), an essential drug for treating HER2-positive breast cancer,

“This whole situation has left many patients in a desperate situation. With over 7,000 new breast cancer cases each year in Kenya, nearly 25.6% of them requiring Herceptin, the lack of this vital medication in public hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital has forced patients to seek expensive private alternatives. The high cost of private treatment KSh 100,000 per dose has left many unable to continue their treatment, with only limited cycles covered under SHA.” Noted Elo Mapelu, KENCO Board Chairperson

Another issue they mentioned is the Denial of Cancer and NCD Services Numerous cancer and NCD patients have been turned away from treatment centres, and many are being forced to pay out-of-pocket for services that were previously covered by NHIF, unclear SHA Coverage for Oncology and NCDs saying there is widespread confusion about what services are covered under SHA, with a lack of clarity from the authorities, system Failures and Delays in Care Technical issues with SHA’s registration, authorization, and pre-approval systems have causing significant delays, inadequate Funding for Chronic Illnesses SHA’s current budget allocation for chronic illnesses is insufficient, delays in Radiotherapy and Diagnostics Patients awaiting radiotherapy at Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital and prepayments Under NHIF not carried over to SHA Despite the expectation that prepayments made under NHIF would be seamlessly transferred to SHA.

In light of these critical challenges, the affected organizations are calling on the Government of Kenya and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to take urgent action to ensure that cancer and NCD services remain accessible and effective, demanding that immediate restoration of essential cancer medications, including Herceptin, and ensuring that full treatment cycles are covered under SHA.

They also requested an immediate meeting with the leadership of SHA, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant stakeholders to address these issues and develop sustainable solutions for uninterrupted cancer and NCD care.