Description
Background
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a less aggressive cancer but requires lifelong treatment. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the standard therapy, yet their cost is quite high with patients spending over Ksh. 200,000 every month. In 2002,max foundation introduced a drug access program program coordinated by Dr. Nicholas Abinya a renowned oncologist to donate Glivec for some patients who could not afford. This program continued and catered to patients from all over the country receiving care at Nairobi Hospital. Since then, more than 1,500 patients are still being treated at the Nairobi Hospital and receive the drugs at no cost.The clinics are held bimonthly with other oncologists now also offering their services on a volunteer basis.
In 2021, the Ministry of Health (MOH) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Max Foundation to decentralize the program. This expanded services to four public hospitals and centralized drug warehousing and distribution through the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA).
Aim
To highlight the success story of a public private partnership.
Program Process
The Max Foundation supported enrollment of the four public hospitals and provided training for oncologists, pharmacists, and nurses on the patient management system and supply chain management. Furthermore, they coordinate shipment of drugs into the country, with MOH facilitating tax waivers. MOH, through the National Cancer Control Program, coordinated drug orders through the oncology dashboard to KEMSA for distribution.
Outcomes
Services are not available at MTRH, JOOTRH, Nakuru PGH AND Coast general Hospitals. Patients previously traveling to Nairobi Hospital were transferred to the public facilities closer to home, reducing transport and accommodation costs. New patients have also been recruited into the program.
This partnership demonstrates how public-private collaboration can expand access to essential cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | Program officer, National Cancer Control program |
| Received a Grant? | No |
