Improved cancer outcomes in Kenya will depend heavily on effective implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework and strengthened Universal Health Coverage (UHC), government officials and health experts have said.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, CBS, made the remarks during the launch of the third edition of Shadow in Perpetuity, a cancer care book authored by renowned Kenyan medical oncologist Prof. Nicholas Anthony Othieno-Abinya at The Nairobi Hospital.
Omollo emphasized that early diagnosis, preventive healthcare, and timely treatment remain central to reducing cancer-related deaths in the country.
“Knowledge is one of the most powerful medicines in the fight against cancer and the greatest gift an expert can share with us is wisdom that continues to heal and empower generations,”he said.
He noted that strengthening health systems under SHA would improve access to essential services, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and ensure more patients receive care at earlier stages of the disease.
“Knowledge is one of the most powerful medicines in the fight against cancer, and the greatest gift an expert can share is wisdom that continues to heal and empower generations,” Omollo said, highlighting the role of medical education in public health.
The book, Shadow in Perpetuity, chronicles Prof. Othieno-Abinya’s extensive experience in cancer management, aiming to dispel myths, correct misconceptions, and provide accurate medical information to empower patients and the public.
Health experts at the event also stressed the importance of preventive care, adherence to treatment protocols, and informed decision-making as key pillars in improving survival rates.
The launch brought together medical professionals and stakeholders in the health sector, all calling for stronger public awareness and early screening as part of Kenya’s broader fight against cancer.