World Cancer Day:

United by Unique – The Kenyan Perspective

Date: 5th February 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (EAT)

Moderator

Dr. Gladwell Kiarie
Medical Oncologist, The Nairobi Hospital

Speakers

Hon. Dr. Ouma Oluga
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services,
Ministry of Health, Kenya

Hon. Dr. James Nyikal
Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, Kenya

Dr. Mercy Mwangangi
Chief Executive Officer, Social Health Authority

Dr. Elias Melly
Chief Executive Officer, National Cancer Institute, Kenya

Dr. Ahmed Ogwell
Public Health Expert, CEO & President, VillageReach

Prisca Githuka
Vice-Chairperson & Advocacy Chair,
Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) and Chairlady,
Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya

Highlights

This session brought together clinical, policy and advocacy voices to reflect on the current state of cancer care in Kenya, with a focus on how systems, leadership and lived experience intersect to shape outcomes.

A central theme was the need to move beyond fragmented approaches towards coordinated, patient-centered cancer control, grounded in national priorities and responsive to the realities of care delivery. The discussion highlighted that improving outcomes requires not only clinical excellence, but also alignment across policy, financing and implementation.

Speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening health systems to support prevention, early detection and access to treatment, while addressing structural barriers that continue to limit equitable care. The role of national institutions, policy frameworks and cross-sector collaboration emerged as critical in driving sustainable progress.

Patient voice and lived experience were also highlighted as essential to shaping responsive and inclusive cancer care strategies, ensuring that interventions reflect the needs and realities of those most affected.

Across the discussion, a consistent message emerged: meaningful progress in cancer control will depend on alignment between policy, practice and people.

Key Takeaways

• Effective cancer control requires alignment across clinical care, policy and implementation.
• Strengthening health systems is essential to improving access, equity and outcomes.
• Prevention and early detection remain critical entry points for reducing burden.
• Patient voice and lived experience are key to responsive, person-centered care.
• Sustainable progress depends on multi-sector collaboration and leadership.

Watch the full session here: