AstraZeneca, in cooperation with the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), has introduced a molecular testing platform to enhance lung cancer diagnostics to help lower cost of cancer treatment.
The agreement, under AstraZeneca’s Cancer Care Africa (CCA) initiative, will strengthen the diagnostic capabilities in the public sector, providing Kenyan patients with access to technology to facilitate accurate diagnosis of lung cancer.
According to Deepak Arora, Country President for the African Cluster at AstraZeneca, the programme signals a commitment to ensure that cancer patients have an opportunity to access lower cost of cancer treatment.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities to create resilient healthcare systems and expand access to innovative cancer treatments for patients across Africa,” he said.
“This milestone, launched during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, highlights our commitment to bringing science to life, fostering hope for patients, and empowering them in their battle against cancer,” Arora added.
As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month globally, attention is drawn to lung cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The month-long awareness campaign underscores the urgent need for improved diagnostic solutions in countries where delayed diagnosis due to misinterpretation of symptoms often leads to late-stage detection.
In Kenya, the absence of timely interventions frequently results in late-stage diagnosis, due to misdiagnosis of lung cancer for other lung conditions like Tuberculosis. This new molecular testing platform is set to revolutionise the current diagnostic landscape, addressing critical gaps that have previously hindered effective and timely diagnosis, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
With the implementation of this initiative at MTRH, AstraZeneca and MTRH seek to provide equitable access to lung cancer diagnostics, offering every patient the possibility of early intervention. The platform will enable definitive and accurate diagnosis, supporting a patient-centred approach in cancer care for the people of Kenya.
Dr. Phillip Kirwa, Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, noted that the launch of the molecular testing platform is a major advancement for cancer care in Kenya. He said: “we are dedicated to elevating healthcare standards and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to timely and precise diagnostic services. This collaboration with AstraZeneca aligns with our mission to deliver accessible and high-quality healthcare to all, particularly in combating life-threatening diseases like lung cancer.”
The Cancer Care Africa initiative seeks to bridge healthcare disparities in cancer care across the continent by fostering equitable access to advanced diagnostic systems. The partnership with MTRH represents a shared vision of a sustainable future in healthcare, where early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve the clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients in Kenya. As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, AstraZeneca and MTRH also hope to raise greater awareness around lung cancer symptoms, encouraging people to seek testing early for better outcomes.
Through this initiative AstraZeneca and MTRH are driving a positive transformation in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, working towards a future where lung cancer patients have the resources needed for effective treatment and hope for a better quality of life.
