Abstracts

Integrated delivery of breast and cervical cancer services within primary health care: Lessons from Kenya’s WHO AFRO WICS pilot

Not scheduled

20m

Oral Integrated Care Models

Description

Background:
Breast and cervical cancer together account for 29.3% of cancer incidence in Kenya, disproportionately affecting women aged 35–49 years—their most productive years. Inadequate screening uptake and diagnostic and care gaps continue to drive late presentation and unfavourable outcomes. In 2023, Kenya was competitively selected to pilot the WHO AFRO Women’s Integrated Cancer Screening (WICS) project, aligning with the National Cancer Control Strategy to strengthen early detection for priority cancers. This abstract describes the design and early implementation of the WICS project customized to Kenya’s context.
Methods:
A joint needs assessment by the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) and WHO mapped service gaps, resource limitations and priority interventions to integrate breast and cervical cancer services within primary health care. Bungoma and Nyandarua counties were selected, with four facilities across levels 1–4 engaged. Key workstreams were defined: (i) guidelines and standards; (ii) training of health and community health workers; (iii) advocacy, communication and social mobilization; (iv) data management and research; (v) patient navigation and referral; and (vi) laboratory and diagnostic support. Data were drawn from facility records, training reports and programme monitoring tools.
Results:
At national level, the project facilitated review of the National Cancer Screening Guidelines and convened multidisciplinary experts to develop integrated training materials. Service delivery was launched in four primary health care facilities, screening 1,048 women for breast, cervical cancer and selected NCDs. 52 health care workers, 76 community health promoters/assistants, 134 media professionals and 50 community leaders/champions were trained. Preparations are underway to institutionalize patient navigation and strengthen laboratory networks to improve referral and continuity of care.
Conclusion:
Early results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating breast and cervical cancer screening into existing primary health care services. The WICS model shows promise for accelerating access to quality cancer prevention and control in Kenya and informing regional scale-up.