Kenya Endorses Global Cancer Fund to Advance Equity in Cancer Care

New York, USA – September 25, 2025

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to global cancer control by endorsing the Global Cancer Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the financing gap for cancer prevention, treatment and research in low and middle-income countries.

Speaking during the Fund’s official launch in New York on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, emphasized that investing in cancer care is both a health priority and a development imperative. He noted that cancer now ranks as the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases in Kenya, claiming more lives than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Kenya joined Uzbekistan, Uganda, Nigeria, Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the first countries to endorse the Fund, alongside several non-state partners. The initiative seeks to mobilize USD 1 billion by 2030 to strengthen cancer systems and expand equitable access to care globally.

Dr. Oluga highlighted Kenya’s progress under the National Cancer Control Strategy (2023-2027), including expanded access to HPV vaccination, cancer screening, oncology infrastructure and affordable treatment through the Social Health Insurance oncology benefits package.

The Global Cancer Fund complements existing efforts such as the WHO Global Initiative for Cancer and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, supporting countries in accelerating equitable access to life-saving interventions. Kenya also expressed interest in benefitting from the Fund’s financing mechanisms to bolster national priorities.

“No patient should be left behind. Kenya stands ready to collaborate with international partners to strengthen cancer systems and advance equity in care,” said Dr. Oluga.