Victoria Commercial Bank has reiterated its strong commitment to combating cancer, highlighting a significant funding shortfall for cancer care in Kenya. On Friday, the bank made its third consecutive donation of Sh1 million to the Faraja Cancer Support Trust.
Ketaki Sheth, the board chairman of Victoria Bank, emphasized that this contribution reflects the bank’s continued dedication to supporting cancer patients and enhancing awareness about cancer care in Kenya.
According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths last year. Currently, approximately 82,000 Kenyans are living with the disease.
Several factors hinder adequate cancer care in Africa, including a lack of awareness, high treatment costs, limited research funding, and a shortage of healthcare professionals such as oncologists and specialized cancer care nurses. These challenges contribute to a high cancer burden and mortality rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
In the WHO African region alone, there were an estimated 811,200 new cancer cases and 534,000 cancer deaths. The survival rate for newly diagnosed cancer cases in Africa is 30 to 50 percent lower compared to high-income countries.
To address these issues and promote equity in cancer care, it is essential to focus on fairness and prioritize resources to ensure that everyone has access to cancer prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
“The bank understands that combating cancer involves more than just medical procedures; it requires a compassionate community united in support,” Sheth said.
“Cancer is a debilitating disease that impacts countless lives, and it demands our collective action and support,” added Azmina Pattni, Chief Business Officer of Deposits at Victoria Bank CB PLC.
