Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 confers on every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including repro- ductive health care. Towards achieving this commitment, this second cancer control strategy builds on the achievements of the first national cancer strategy (2011-2016). It is in line with the Kenya National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2015 - 2020 and the Kenya Vision 2030 social pillar that aims to improve the quality of life of all Kenyans.
The strategy outlines broad areas of action along the cancer continuum and will be achieved through five strategic pillars: 1. Prevention, early detection and cancer screening, 2. Cancer diagnosis, registration and surveillance, 3. Cancer treatment, palliative care and survivorship, 4. Coordination, partnership and financing for cancer control and 5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Research. Within it are stated the roles of the national, county governments and the various non-state actors in line with the multi-sectoral nature of cancer. Equally captured is the role of the private sector In line with the strategic government policy to harness the critical role of the private sector.
The implementation framework herein signals a radical departure from past approaches in addressing the health agenda by embracing partnerships and accountability of roles. It recog- nizes the paramount role of the county governments in the health delivery and it is my hope that this strategic document will provide the integrated road map towards reducing the preventable morbidity and mortality due to Cancer. I call upon all stakeholders to join the Ministry of Health in this noble initiative.
It is my belief that collectively we can make a difference: Let us all join hands in halting and reversing the burden of cancer in Kenya.