Africa Cancer Foundation Launches Endowment Campaign as It Marks 15 Years of Cancer Advocacy
Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF) has marked its 15th anniversary by launching an Endowment Campaign aimed at securing sustainable funding for cancer prevention, screening, early detection, patient support and advocacy across Kenya.
The campaign was unveiled during a commemorative anniversary brunch held at Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi, under the theme "Own Your Cancer Story."
The event which brought together healthcare leaders, cancer survivors, development partners, donors and policymakers celebrated ACF's impact over the past 15 years while rallying support for the Foundation's long-term vision as the Foundation aims to raise between KES 15 million and KES 30 million through the campaign.
Speaking during the event, Kisumu givernor Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o who is ACF’s Chairperson said the Foundation has remained committed to ensuring that no Kenyan faces cancer alone.
"For 15 years, we have pursued a simple but urgent mission: advocacy that changes systems and service that touches lives. As we mark this milestone under the theme 'Own Your Cancer Story', Kenya must invest more in awareness, screening and early detection, because when cancer is found early, lives can be saved and hope can be delivered on time," he said.
The anniversary comes at a time when cancer continues to place a significant burden on families across Kenya, reinforcing the need for greater public awareness, timely diagnosis and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.
As part of the celebrations, ACF deployed its Clinic on Wheels, a mobile cancer screening unit funded by Tiba Foundation.
The unit provided breast and cervical cancer screening for women of reproductive age, prostate cancer screening for men aged 40 years and above, HPV testing and ultrasound services, bringing essential cancer screening services closer to communities.
"Early detection changes the course of cancer care. When cancer is found early, treatment is simpler, outcomes are better and lives are saved. ACF has helped take awareness and screening closer to communities that would otherwise have limited access. Cancer care is a shared responsibility, and stronger partnerships are essential to ensure no Kenyan is left behind because of where they live or what they can afford," she said.
Over the last 15 years, Africa Cancer Foundation has combined policy advocacy with community-based interventions to improve cancer awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen referral pathways across the country.
According to the Foundation, it has screened more than 35,000 women and men for breast, cervical and prostate cancer in 27 counties. It has also supported the establishment of 19 EMPOWER Clinics in 18 counties, expanding access to breast and cervical cancer screening services.
Through the newly launched Endowment Campaign, ACF is calling on individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to invest in a sustainable response to cancer as funds raised are meant to support community screening programmes, volunteer training, awareness campaigns, patient referral services and initiatives that improve access to early detection, particularly in underserved areas.
The anniversary celebrations also honoured long-serving volunteers, cancer survivors, staff and strategic partners whose contributions have shaped the Foundation's journey with Tiba Foundation receiving the Strategic Partner of the Year Award in recognition of its support, including funding the Clinic on Wheels and an ultrasound machine.
As it enters its next chapter, Africa Cancer Foundation says it remains committed to advancing a future where cancer is detected earlier, openly discussed and addressed through stronger collaboration between communities, healthcare providers, government, donors and the private sector.
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