Kisumu County, Kenya – The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced its commitment to improving palliative care services in Kenya. This initiative is part of the full implementation of the Palliative Care Policy 2021, aiming to elevate the quality of care for individuals with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, in her remarks at the 6th National Palliative Care Conference in Kisumu County, emphasized the importance of appropriate policies and guidelines in enhancing palliative care. The speech, delivered on her behalf by Dr. Mary Nyangasi, Head of the National Cancer Control Programme at MoH, outlined the ministry’s focus on integrating palliative care into the primary health care system.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya is experiencing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, with many patients facing late diagnosis and treatment. Annually, about 56.8 million people globally require palliative care, but only a fraction receive it, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In Kenya, the need for palliative care is significant, with over 800,000 people requiring it each year. However, currently, only 14,552 individuals are accessing these services. Access is even more limited for children, with less than 5 percent receiving necessary care.
Nakhumicha highlighted the complexity of treating such conditions and the impact on patients’ quality of life and family finances. Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, called for increased county funding for palliative care services, emphasizing the need for more healthcare professionals trained in this field.
Prof. John Weru, Chairman of the Kenya Hospice and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), advocated for public education on holistic palliative care approaches. He emphasized the role of a multidisciplinary team in providing care and comfort to people with serious illnesses.
Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute – Kenya (NCI-K), reiterated that Kenyans diagnosed with cancer and other chronic illnesses are entitled to palliative care, noting that cancer care constitutes the largest portion of palliative services in Kenya.
The NCI-K has initiated partnerships with county governments for cancer eradication plans and is set to roll out cancer research funding in December. This initiative aims to explore the integration of technology in cancer treatment, marking a significant advancement in Kenya’s healthcare system.