GE Healthcare aims to help tackle cancer in Kenya, a disease ranked third as the biggest cause of death (after infectious and cardiovascular diseases), contributing to 7% of total mortality annually.
The cancers include breast, cervical and throat cancers in women while those in men include cancers of the oesophagus and prostate with 28,500 new cancer cases diagnosed annually, while 22,100 people die of the disease.
In a statement Mr. Isaiah Okoth, General Manager of GE Healthcare in East Africa, “Meeting the cancer challenge head-on ranks among the key health priorities of the region’s healthcare providers and to that extent, greater emphasis on screening and early diagnosis coupled with increased public education and improved lifestyle choices are essential. Through its work globally, GE Healthcare is at work here in Kenya and across East Africa to bring its extensive oncology solutions and expertise to help combat cancer.”
This week GE outlined its capabilities in oncology as a key corporate partner for the Trade Mission and Special Event on Medical Technologies for Cancer Treatment, held in Nairobi. The firm also recently committed US$500,000 to the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon campaign for partnership programs aimed at reducing the growing burden of cancer in Ethiopia.
In September 2011, GE launched an ambitious global campaign against cancer, committing $1 billion of its total R&D budget over the next five years to expand its advanced cancer diagnostic and molecular imaging capabilities, as well as its world-class technologies for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals and for cancer research.
By the end of 2013, more than $525 million had been invested, setting GE on track to meet its five-year commitment. To accelerate progress the campaign against cancer combines the strength of GE’s portfolio of cancer technologies with the innovations born from collaborations with key partners.
GE Healthcare oncology portfolio includes diagnostic imaging equipment to deliver the information clinicians need to make critical decisions. Life Sciences breakthroughs help support the latest oncology research, while medical diagnostic products aid in understanding disease and GE’s Healthcare IT solutions deliver information when and where it is needed.
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