NAIROBI, Kenya- Victoria Commercial Bank has once again stepped up in the fight against cancer, reaffirming its commitment with a generous Sh1 million donation to the Faraja Cancer Support Trust.
This marks the third consecutive year the bank has made such a contribution, underscoring its ongoing dedication to cancer care and awareness in Kenya.
With government data showing the country facing a significant funding deficit for cancer treatment, the bank’s support comes at a critical time.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Kenya recorded 44,726 new cancer cases last year and saw 29,317 cancer-related deaths. As the disease continues to impact thousands of lives, it’s clear that more efforts are needed to bridge the gap in cancer care.
Kenya, like many African nations, faces severe challenges when it comes to providing adequate cancer treatment. Limited awareness, high costs, and shortages in both healthcare workers and expertise have contributed to a disproportionate cancer burden.
These issues are not unique to Kenya but are part of a larger, systemic problem across sub-Saharan Africa.
WHO estimates that the African region saw 811,200 new cancer cases and 534,000 deaths in 2020 alone, with survival rates in low-income countries trailing far behind their wealthier counterparts .
Victoria Commercial Bank’s board chairman, Ketaki Sheth, emphasized that the fight against cancer is a community effort, requiring both financial support and awareness.
“The battle against cancer is not fought with medical procedures alone but also with a compassionate community that stands together with those affected,” Sheth stated.
The Faraja Cancer Support Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients in Kenya, has been instrumental in providing care and resources to those battling the disease.
Victoria Bank’s contributions are part of a broader corporate responsibility initiative aimed at promoting equity in cancer care.
Azmina Pattni, the bank’s Chief Business Officer for deposits, noted, “Cancer is a debilitating disease that affects countless lives, and it requires our collective action and support.”
As the cancer burden grows, it’s evident that more institutions and individuals must rally together to ensure that everyone has an equal chance at prevention, detection, and treatment.
