PS Oluga calls for equitable cancer care from screening to treatment

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said cancer services must be anchored in a stronger health system, with prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment linked across all levels of care.

Speaking at the Nairobi International Cancer Forum, Oluga said the Social Health Authority (SHA) should finance the full cancer-care pathway, from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and follow-up.

He said cancer care begins within communities and primary healthcare facilities, making it critical for screening programmes to be connected to timely diagnosis, referral and treatment.

“Where a person lives or their ability to pay” should not determine whether cancer is detected early and treated appropriately, Oluga said, stressing the need for a more equitable cancer-care system.

The PS also welcomed plans for an Early Cancer Screening Programme in Kisumu and Homa Bay, saying the initiative could strengthen early detection and referral in the two counties.

He further highlighted the proposed Chun Jeong-eun Nyong’o Cancer Centre in Kisumu as a potential regional hub for cancer prevention, treatment, research, training and innovation.

Oluga reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with county governments and development partners to expand cancer treatment capacity across the country.

The approach is intended to reduce disparities in access to cancer services while strengthening Kenya's wider health system and improving continuity of care for patients.