First Lady commends Swiss firm on low-cost cancer drugs
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“It is my hope that the company will continue to undertake more research and medical trials so that it can produce more effective drugs for other types of cancers including prostate cancer which afflict men,” said Mrs Kenyatta.
The chairman of Norvatis board of directors, Mr Jorg Reinhardt, said the firm will supply drugs to the government for as low as Sh105 ($1) per treatment per month.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta Thursday attended a meeting hosted by Norvatis AG, a pharmaceutical firm planning to introduce affordable cancer drugs in Kenya, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The First Lady, who was the chief guest at the event held at the Convene Conference Centre, welcomed the initiative by the Swiss firm to start the Norvatis Access Initiative, which will provide low-cost drugs for 15 non-communicable diseases including cancer and diabetes.
Cancer, heart problems and other lifestyle diseases have been on the rise in Kenya but high treatment costs have slowed down efforts to contain them.
The pharmaceutical firm will roll out the new program in Kenya, Ethiopia and Vietnam before extending the initiative to 27 other countries.
The chairman of Norvatis board of directors, Mr Jorg Reinhardt, said the firm will supply drugs to the government for as low as Sh105 ($1) per treatment per month.
MEANINGFUL CHANGE
“Meaningful change can only be attained in the world when the relationship between private enterprise and government is strengthened. We are ready to strengthen our relationship with government and NGOs,” said Mr Reinhardt.
Norvatis AG is a Swiss based pharmaceutical company listed on the New York Stock Exchange with a market value of more than Sh28 trillion.
“It is my hope that the company will continue to undertake more research and medical trials so that it can produce more effective drugs for other types of cancers including prostate cancer which afflict men,” said Mrs Kenyatta.
The initiative by Norvatis complements the advocacy campaign African First Ladies have been undertaking to commit leaders in Africa and the world to support the campaign to expand access to prevention, treatment and palliative services for people with cancer.
Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia was among the speakers at the event.
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