Kenya-Pfizer deal to transform cancer treatment as drug prices fall sevenfold

Cancer treatment in Kenya could become significantly more affordable following a landmark agreement between the government and US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, expected to dramatically reduce the cost of medicines used to treat some of the country’s most common and deadly cancers. President William Ruto announced the agreement after receiving Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla at State House Nairobi, describing the partnership as a major breakthrough in Kenya’s efforts to expand access to cancer treatment and strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Under the agreement between Pfizer and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), some cancer medicines that previously cost as much as Sh1 million per treatment cycle will now be available for less than Sh50,000 per cycle. The agreement, reached under Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World initiative, covers treatments for breast, stomach, colon, lung, prostate and oesophageal cancers, as well as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.