Victoria Bank commits funds towards cancer fight as 82,000 Kenyans suffer

 

Victoria Commercial Bank

Victoria Commercial Bank has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the fight against cancer, with government data showing that the country has a huge cancer funding deficit. 

On Friday, the lender issued a third consecutive donation of Sh1 million to Faraja Cancer Support Trust.

Victoria Bank board chairman Ketaki Sheth said the contribution underscores the bank’s ongoing dedication to supporting cancer patients and raising awareness for cancer care in Kenya.

Data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed that the country reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths and currently, approximately 82,000 Kenyans are living with the disease.

Several limitations hinder adequate cancer care in Africa, including lack of awareness, high cost of treatment and research funding, expertise shortage, and shortage of healthcare workers, such as oncologists and specialised cancer care nurses.

These limitations have resulted in a disproportionate burden of cancer and high mortality rates in most African countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

For instance, countries in the WHO African region had an estimated 811,200 new cancer cases and 534,000 cancer deaths.

Moreover, 70 per cent of newly diagnosed cancer cases occur in Africa, where the survival rate of cancer is 30 to 50per cent lower than that of high-income countries”

To promote cancer care equity, addressing issues of equity and prioritisation is crucial to ensure that everyone has an equal chance at cancer prevention, early detection, and appropriate care and follow-up treatment.

"The bank is cognisant that the battle against cancer is not fought with medical procedures alone but also a compassionate community that stands together with those affected,'' Sheth said. 

“Cancer is a debilitating disease that affects countless lives, and it requires our collective action and support,” said Victoria Bank's CB PLC’s chief business officer-deposits Azmina Pattni. 

by VICTOR AMADALA