Kenya is in the process of implementing a health cooperation deal with the United Kingdom that will boost the number of cancer treatment specialists in the county.

Kenya’s Health Ministry says it plans to send Kenyan doctors to the UK for specialised cancer training to improve access to effective treatment.

The cooperation will also support screening services, early diagnosis, and treatments like radiotherapy and nuclear medicine.

Speaking during a recent visit to the UK, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the development will improve the standard of healthcare through research, workforce training and education of healthcare professionals.

He said the programme will initially focus on improving cancer outcomes through early detection, rapid diagnosis and delivery of high-quality care.

Comparative strength

Kagwe added Kenya and the UK will benefit from each other’s comparative strengths and experiences through mutual agreement.

“We now have more people in the region depending on Nairobi as a result of the partnership between Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital and the University of Manchester/Christie NHS Foundation Trust that has improved cancer treatment in Kenya and promoted it into a regional hub for cancer management and treatment,”  the Health CS said.

The first cohort of cancer treatment specialists from the country is set to travel to Christie Hospital and the Manchester University in the UK as part of a pact between the two countries meant to build capacity in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in Kenya with a special emphasis on cancer.