EXPLAINER: How MoH, Max Foundation collaboration has enhanced cancer care in Kenya

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Max Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to decentralise the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) across the country.

This is to enhance access to essential cancer treatment.

The initiative is supported by Max Access Solutions (MAS) and aims to bring critical care closer to patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), particularly in far-flagged counties.

But how exactly is the initiative helping cancer patients?

Save on the cost of drugs

Through MAS, The Max Foundation has provided imatinib, a vital medication for treating CML, and GIST, free of charge to patients, ensuring access to treatment without financial pains.

The cost of imatinib presented a significant financial challenge for many Kenyan patients, with a monthly dose priced at approximately Sh270,000.

For most patients, this cost was prohibitive.

The MoH, through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), has provided clearance, warehousing, distribution and quality assurance services.

KEMSA has ensured that the medications reached the designated hospitals efficiently and managed last-mile delivery to guarantee availability at the point of care.

The order management for the medications has been coordinated through the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), which ensured that the quantities requested by each facility were aligned with the number of patients they served.

The process is managed through the National Oncology Dashboard, a tool that tracks patient numbers and medication needs, ensuring accurate and timely distribution.

The government has supported the initiative by streamlining administrative processes, including granting tax exemptions for donated medicines.

To date, Nairobi Hospital has received 62,127 units of medication valued at Sh15,802,097,365, reflecting its role in hosting the majority of patients.

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital received 8,977 units valued at Sh2,386,353,913, Nakuru Provincial General Hospital received 5,967 units valued at Sh1,581,824,638, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology collectively received 3,560 units valued at Sh914,726,825 and Coast Provincial General Hospital received 1,560 units valued at Sh430,161,841.

Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital has undergoing evaluation to be an additional center to help offload some patients, thereby improving access to medications.

Easy access to clinics

Previously, patients had to travel to Nairobi for their treatment.

The MoU has however initiated a decentralised approach, allowing patients to receive treatment at regional and county levels.

This has made it more accessible and reducing the need for long-distance travel.

Under the agreement, GIPAP services have been made available at Nakuru Provincial General Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and Coast Provincial General Hospital, in addition to Nairobi Hospital.

The Nairobi Hospital continues providing both first-line and second-line treatment.

The decentralisation significantly has eased the burden on patients, enabling them to access vital medications closer to home.

By bringing treatment closer to patients' homes, the initiative is expected to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for those battling cancer.

The effort represented a significant advancement in the country's healthcare system, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in addressing critical health challenges.

The MoU is set to be in effect for five years, with provisions for review and extension based on the program’s success.

During this period, healthcare providers in regional hospitals have been trained to manage and monitor treatment for CML and GIST patients, significantly increasing access to cancer care, particularly in underserved regions.