Victoria Commercial Bank has reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating cancer amid 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.
Victoria Bank’s board chairman, Ketaki Sheth, emphasized that this contribution highlights the bank’s ongoing dedication to supporting cancer patients and raising awareness about cancer care in Kenya.
According to recent World Health Organization (WHO) data, Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths. Currently, around 82,000 Kenyans are living with the disease.
Africa faces several challenges in cancer care, including a lack of awareness, high treatment costs, insufficient research funding, and a shortage of healthcare professionals such as oncologists and specialized cancer care nurses. These issues contribute to high cancer mortality rates and a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
For example, the WHO African region recorded approximately 811,200 new cancer cases and 534,000 cancer deaths. Additionally, 70% of newly diagnosed cancer cases occur in Africa, where survival rates are 30 to 50% lower compared to high-income countries.
Addressing these disparities and promoting equity in cancer care is crucial to ensuring that everyone has access to prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
“The bank understands that the fight against cancer involves not only medical interventions but also a compassionate community that supports those affected,” Sheth stated.
“Cancer is a devastating disease impacting countless lives, and it demands our collective action and support,” added Azmina Pattni, Chief Business Officer for Deposits at Victoria Bank.
