The Ministry of Health has partnered with Roche, a global biotechnology company, to provide free treatment for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
HER2-positive breast cancer affects 15 to 20 percent of patients and if left untreated, can spread rapidly and become life-threatening. Under this agreement, SHA will pay Sh40,000 per session, including the administration of the Herceptin drug, reducing the cost by Sh80,000.
Herceptin 600 mg SC is a biological therapy approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer. It blocks the HER2 protein that promotes cancer growth, significantly improving survival outcomes for patients when administered consistently.
A complete treatment cycle generally requires 17 to 18 sessions over the course of a year, costing up to Sh700,000. This entire amount will now be covered in full for SHA-registered beneficiaries. Previously, patients had to pay up to Sh120,000 per session.
Earlier in the year, the ministry revised the allocation for treatment for all forms of cancer from Sh400,000 to Sh550,000 per year under SHA.
Roche, on the other hand, will provide Herceptin 600 mg, along with other innovations for HER2-positive breast cancer, to ensure access for all eligible SHA beneficiaries.
“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when we prioritize patient access and equity,” Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, said in a statement.
“Under the new arrangement, eligible patients recommended for treatment by their physicians will receive Herceptin® 600mg SC and other HER2+ targeted therapies at SHA-contracted facilities, which include public, private, and faith-based institutions. The maximum retail price per treatment session has been capped at Sh40,000, down from as high as Sh120,000 with no co-payment required from patients.”
Via SHA, the ministry will coordinate availability of these therapies across all healthcare providers offering oncology services and are contracted by the SHA, including public, private and faith-based facilities.
The SHA will manage reimbursements through the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
According to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the country, accounting for around a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in women
“We are losing 17 women in a day. The social and economic consequences of breast and cervical cancer ripple far beyond the individual, leaving an exponential impact on families and entire communities,” said Jacqueline Wambua, Roche East Africa general manager.
“Together, we are working to change the narrative through prevention, early detection, through equitable access to affordable, available global standard of Care for HER 2+ve Breast Cancer patients.”
