Kenya strikes Pfizer deal to slash prices of nine cancer treatments

Speaking after hosting Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Albert Bourla at State House, Nairobi on Monday, Ruto said the agreement covers medicines for breast, stomach, colon, lung, prostate and oesophageal cancers, as well as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

"Today, Kenya has made a major breakthrough in the treatment of several cancers," the President said.

The arrangement is between Pfizer and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority under the Accord for a Healthier World, the company's global programme supplying medicines to lower-income countries on a not-for-profit basis. Kenya joined the Accord in June last year.

Ruto said the lower prices mean the Social Health Authority's Ksh.800,000 cancer package will now cover treatment fully, without patients having to top up.

He added that Kenya will also get access to newer therapies without the 10-year wait cancer patients currently face before breakthrough treatments reach the country.

The President, who serves as the African Union Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Commodities, said Pfizer would make the technologies and newer medicines available for pharmaceutical production on the continent.

Bourla was accompanied to State House by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, United States Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Susan M Burns, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga and Pfizer officials.

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in Kenya, and the cost of treatment has long pushed families into debt or forced patients to abandon care midway.