NAIROBI, Kenya (Xinhua) — Kenya’s health ministry said it has partnered with Roche Pharmaceutical Limited to boost the country’s capacity in the provision of breast cancer treatment.

Health Principal Secretary Dr Nicholas Muraguri said in a statement received yesterday that the partnership would ensure that Kenyans who were suffering from breast cancer had access to drugs, while at the same time providing a holistic access to screening and diagnosis.

“This is an important milestone that will ensure that people suffering from cancer have access to drugs. It will help us create a drug access programme as has been the case with malaria, TB and HIV,” he said.

The move came as the Government moves to increase access to quality and affordable health care.

Muraguri added that the deal would provide free breast cancer diagnostics training for five medical oncologists, and offer inexpensive pharmaceutical product treatment.

Roche Country Manager Kenya Andre Mendoza, on his part, said that the partnership would double the capacity of medical oncologists in Kenya through training.

Muraguri noted that the partnership would only focus on treating a specific type of breast cancer.

“The partnership will provide a comprehensive approach to treating Her2+ cancer, which is a very aggressive type of breast cancer. Treatment alone, even if it is for free, will not work if the system of diagnostics is not ready,” he said.

When successfully implemented, Kenyans will have a place to be screened, diagnosed and access treatment.