BD Helps Advance Health Equity for Women in Kenya through Critical Cancer Screening
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Insights
Understanding the strategic collaboration between BD and the National Cancer Institute-Kenya is crucial from a healthcare perspective. The emphasis on early detection and screening aligns with global initiatives to combat cervical cancer, which is a significant health burden. By focusing on diagnostic accessibility, the potential for early intervention is increased, which can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates. This is particularly important in regions where healthcare resources are scarce and late-stage diagnosis is more common. The initiative could also serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships in other underserved areas, creating a ripple effect in global health improvements.
From a market standpoint, BD's collaboration with the Kenyan Government could be indicative of the company's strategic direction towards emerging markets. By tapping into the Kenyan healthcare sector, BD is not only expanding its global footprint but also potentially securing a first-mover advantage in an untapped market. This move could lead to increased revenue streams and strengthen BD's market position against competitors. Furthermore, partnerships with governmental bodies may enhance the company's reputation and brand trust, which are essential for long-term success in new markets. Investors might view such initiatives as positive indicators of sustainable growth, especially in a socially responsible investment climate.
An analysis from the economic perspective reveals the potential cost-effectiveness of this initiative. By investing in early cancer detection and screening, there could be a significant reduction in the long-term healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer treatment. This not only benefits the Kenyan healthcare system by alleviating financial burdens but also contributes to the overall economic stability by potentially reducing loss of productivity due to illness. Additionally, the partnership could lead to job creation within the local healthcare sector, further stimulating economic growth. The initiative aligns with the WHO's global targets, which could attract additional international funding and support, further enhancing its economic viability.
Collaboration with Kenya Ministry of Health National Cancer Institute Aims to Expand Access to Diagnostics, Reduce Cervical Cancer Rates
The initiative is aligned to the Ministry of Health Kenya's Cancer Control Strategy, which advocates for early detection and screening of cancers such as cervical and breast, as well as linkage to care (initial health care visit after diagnosis), and leveraging partnerships to strengthen capacity and resources for cancer care throughout the health system. The strategy seeks to address the prevention and control of all cancers and resonates with the broader effort made by the World Health Organization (WHO) which aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 by achieving vaccination, screening and treatment targets.
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. About
90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.i - Almost all cervical cancer cases (more than
95% ) are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.i - In
Kenya , only one in 10 girls above age 15 years have received a full course of vaccination against sexually transmitted HPV. ii - Cervical and breast cancer are the top two female cancers in
Kenya by incidence and mortality.iii - Only one in 10 women in
Kenya have been screened for cervical cancer in the last five years.ii
"Cervical cancer is curable and preventable, and can be eliminated within our lifetimes," said Dr. Catherine Murithi, global public health leader in
Dr. Murithi continued, "BD welcomes this opportunity to partner with the Kenya Ministry of Health and County governments to help reduce rates of cervical cancer and advance the World Health Organization's Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination."
The program will be piloted in Nairobi County, with strong collaboration with the Nairobi County government, with a goal to expand throughout the country in the future. BD will support the initiative through:
- Cervical cancer awareness campaigns and health advocacy reaching local women where they work and live;
- Training community health volunteers about HPV self-sampling and distributing self-collection kits to local health clinics;
- Installing at the National Reference Laboratory in
Nairobi a high-volume automated molecular diagnostic system that uses a unique test to individually identify high-risk HPV types; - Establishing a Rapid Diagnostic Center at Mama Lucy Hospital in
Nairobi ; and - Strengthening health care referral networks and linkage to care, as well as digital tracking of samples and results reporting.
Dr. Elias Melly, The Chief Executive Officer, National Cancer Institute Kenya said, "
Senior director of BD Global Public Health Caitlin Asjes said, "At BD, we believe our opportunity goes beyond developing meaningful health care technologies to helping ensure these innovations are available to people regardless of geography, demographics or socioeconomic status. Through this partnership, we look to reach meaningful and sustainable impact in
About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson.
i https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
ii https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/cervical-cancer-country-profiles
iii https://gco.iarc.fr/today/fact-sheets-populations
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FAQ
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