Kenya Urged to Recognize Cancer as a National Disaster Amid Calls for Domestic Solutions
DESCA Calls for Nationwide Cancer Census
The debate over cancer’s recognition as a national disaster in Kenya has resurfaced, with health advocates and stakeholders calling for urgent action.
The current government maintains the same position as the previous administration, which in 2019 declared that cancer is not a national disaster.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups like Diseases Eradication Civil Society Assemblies (DESCA), which argues that without proper recognition, cancer cases in the country will continue to go unrecorded and unaddressed.
“If the government refuses to acknowledge cancer as a national disaster, we as a nation will have no choice but to summon health stakeholders to support a nationwide cancer census,” a DESCA representative stated.
As Kenya prepares to commemorate World Cancer Day in 2025, the theme United by Unique serves as a powerful call to action. It underscores the universal impact of cancer, emphasizing that everyone is either directly affected by the disease or supporting a loved one who is.
Speaking at the event Emily a health advocate stated that It is Kenyans collective responsibility to fight this enemy called cancer that affects every person indiscriminately.
“The call to fight cancer is premised upon the awareness that whoever you are, you can do something no matter how seemingly insignificant to make a difference in the long run.” she said
In an impassioned plea, DESCA also stressed the need for Kenya to prioritize domestic financing in the fight against cancer.
Advocates argue that the country has the potential to take the lead in healthcare innovation, particularly in drug manufacturing.
“Kenya has more potential than Americans,” a DESCA representative stated, urging medical engineers to start manufacturing the country’s own antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other essential medications.
Additionally,he added that the country can innovate equipment for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“As we commemorate World Cancer Day in 2025, we are focusing on creating awareness, reducing risk exposure, and campaigning for affordable access to cancer services.”he stated.
A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care Advocates emphasize that quality cancer care must go beyond physical treatment, incorporating dignity, respect and emotional well-being.
“Quality cancer care includes dignity, respect, support and love,” the advocacy group highlighted.
It considers not just the physical impact of cancer but also respects the emotional, sexual, and social well-being of each individual and their caregivers.
With calls for policy change growing louder, cancer advocates insist that Kenya must act now to ensure proper recognition, funding, and access to treatment before the crisis worsens.
