THE MWANGA PROJECT

THE MWANGA PROJECT

"Strengthening Breast and Childhood Cancer Control in Kenya: A Collaborative Approach to Awareness, Early Detection, and Access to Care

Project implemented in partnership with KENCO - Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations

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CANCER BURDEN IN KENYA

According to Globocan 2022 data, Kenya records an estimated 44,700 new cancer cases and 29,300 deaths annually. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in Kenya by incidence and second by mortality, with 7,243 new cases, and 3,398 deaths annually, accounting for 16.2% of all new cancer cases and cancers. Childhood cancers on the other hand account for about 2,294 new cases and 1,080 deaths annually. Many more childhood cancers could be going undetected due to low levels of awareness and low index of suspicion among health workers. Other data sources indicate that only about 20% of children diagnosed with cancer survive in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries compared to an average survival rate of 80% in developed countries.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Compared to developed countries, Kenya faces a high proportion of cancer deaths compared to incidence because of a number of critical challenges include late diagnosis, limited access to treatment, low awareness levels, and insufficient health worker capacity. 

AIM OF THE PROJECT

The project aims to improve access to holistic, patient-centered care for women and children affected by or at risk of cancer.

This objective will be pursued through the following Intermediate Outcomes (IOx) and related Activities (Ax.y):

IO1 Increased people awareness on breast and childhood cancer in order to promote uptake of breast cancer early detection services and reduce stigma – 200,000 people to be reached with accurate and standardised information.

A1.1 Training of 50 cancer advocates from KENCO member organizations on cancer basics with a special emphasis on breast and childhood cancers 

A1.2 Creation of awareness by the individuals trained. The member organizations trained will create awareness on breast and childhood cancer in their communities. 

A1.3 Printing and distribution of IEC materials on breast and childhood cancer. 5,000 copies of IEC materials on cancer in general and breast and childhood cancer in particular will be printed and distributed through member organizations and health facilities providing oncology services. 

A1.4 Creation of awareness through social and mainstream media. 

IO2 Improved health workers' capacities in breast and childhood cancer early detection – 800 primary care workers equipped with knowledge on early signs and symptoms of breast and childhood cancer and clinical breast examination.

A2.1 Capacity building of primary healthcare workers on early detection of breast and childhood cancer. A total of 4 virtual sessions on breast cancer and childhood cancer early detection will be conducted through the KNH-UON (Kenyatta National Hospital and University of Nairobi) virtual health workers training platform. 

IO3 To advocate for availability of and universal access to breast and childhood cancer early detection, treatment and palliative care services in the country.

A3.1 Establishment and meetings of the Advocacy Committee. A Committee composed of 5 people of KENCO board, 3 among the staff members and 4 KENCO members' representatives will be established and will meet regularly on quarterly basis. 

A3.2 Organization of two stakeholders’ forums. KENCO will work with the National Cancer Control Programme to convene two stakeholders’ forums for both breast and childhood cancer to discuss challenges and identify tangible actions that the Government and other stakeholders need to take to improve control and management of these cancers. 

IO4 Facilitate access to care services for cancer patients and survivors

A4.1 Patient support Fund Management. KENCO will support individual patients and breast cancer survivors with cash and in-kind assistance. 

PROJECT TIMELINES

The project will be implemented within one year (May 2025 – Apr 2026).

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The project will develop a clear implementation plan with definite timelines against which the progress will be gauged. Clear activity indicators and means of verification have been developed as part of project design that the program team at KENCO will use to monitor progress.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES/ANTICIPATED IMPACT

The project is expected to improve levels of awareness on breast and childhood cancer leading to early detection, which will in turn lead to better treatment outcomes and better survival rates among the target beneficiaries. 

The project will also contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 of reducing morbidity from non-communicable diseases and to the goal of WHO’s breast cancer initiative. 

 

The project will also result in enhanced survivorship and palliative care support, reducing the psychosocial burden of cancer.

This project is funded by a Platinum Private Donor