Kenya has emerged as the top-ranked country in Africa for breast cancer control, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The assessment evaluated the capacity of African nations in managing breast cancer, with Kenya achieving the highest overall score.
The WHO report indicates that Kenya recorded a capacity score of sixty-six point seven percent, surpassing all other African nations. This ranking highlights the country’s strong performance in areas such as leadership, governance, health workforce, information systems, and service delivery.
“The regional average for breast cancer control capacity stood at thirty-seven point two percent, with individual country scores ranging between three point three percent and sixty-six point seven percent. Kenya, Nigeria, and Algeria emerged as the top three countries, each scoring above sixty percent. However, twenty-one out of forty-two countries fell below the regional average,” WHO noted.
Kenya’s success is largely attributed to its well-structured leadership and governance in cancer control, scoring eighty-three point nine percent—more than double the regional average of forty point five percent. The National Cancer Control Strategy (2021-2026) provides a clear roadmap for prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has been instrumental in coordinating national efforts and ensuring policy implementation.
International collaborations with organizations such as WHO, the American Cancer Society, and the Roche Foundation have further strengthened the country’s fight against breast cancer.
Kenya has also made strides in breast cancer screening and early detection and is among the few African nations with an organized screening program, alongside Algeria, Mozambique, and Rwanda.
In terms of cancer care infrastructure, Kenya ranks among the best-equipped countries on the continent. The country has at least ten specialized cancer treatment centers, solidifying its position as a leader in cancer management in Africa.
