Cancer remains a formidable challenge worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to affordable cancer care is often limited. In these regions, lack of access to affordable treatment options, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and lack of awareness create barriers that prevent many from receiving timely and effective care. The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) works to accelerate access to innovative cancer medicines. By negotiating licences and promoting the production of affordable high-quality generic health products, MPP aims to bridge the gap in cancer care, ensuring that patients like Kennedy Odhiambo have a fighting chance. Kennedy’s journey through Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for accessible and affordable cancer treatments for all.  

The Diagnosis: A Shocking Revelation  

Kennedy Odhiambo’s journey with cancer is a testament to human resilience, determination, and the importance of support systems in times of adversity. Kennedy, from Kenya, first noticed an unusual swelling behind his left nostril. What started as a small infection quickly escalated, leading to severe pain and a swollen neck. Little did he know that this seemingly minor ailment would soon be identified as Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

“When I first noticed the swelling, I didn’t know what was wrong with me because I had something like a boil here,” Kennedy recalls. “So, I was thinking of even, like, busting it. But then when I went for the second check-up, they said, no, this is cancer. So that’s how I realised I had cancer. After doing a lot of scanning and examinations.” 

The news of his diagnosis hit Kennedy hard. Not only did he have to come to terms with his condition, but he also had the daunting task of informing his family. “When I realised that I had cancer, it was not easy for me to break the news to my family because everyone was afraid,” he said. “But me, myself was really confident, so I could not tell them what it is. Kennedy chose to reveal his condition to his family gradually. “For me, it was advantageous because I could not tell them directly. I am a cancer patient, but slowly, I had to tell them that I am a cancer patient, which they became used to.” 

Access to Treatment and Determination: Navigating the Kenyan Healthcare Landscape

The journey towards treatment was fraught with challenges. In the early days, Kennedy visited various hospitals, seeking answers to his worsening condition. “The stage of examination is the biggest problem,” he noted. “But now, after I knew that I had cancer, treatment just started moving as swiftly as possible and everything was falling in place. Caregivers were there. The doctors were taking care of me.” 

Kennedy’s battle with cancer also highlighted the significant barriers to accessing treatment in Kenya. “Access to medicine and even a treatment facility is not easy for patients suffering from cancer,” Kennedy said. “For you to get a bed for chemo at Kenyatta National Hospital, you have to come the night before. Even some people sleep out there so that they can be admitted for their chemotherapy.” 

Despite the hardships, Kennedy’s determination never wavered. “It really needs for you as a patient to be determined and not to give up, because the moment you give up, then it means you are not going to survive and live through it. So for me, I think my determination is what really helped me.” 

Financially, cancer treatment proved to be a considerable burden. “Cancer treatment is not cheap. It’s really expensive,” he explained. “Personally, I could not do it by myself. I had a pool of friends who came in to help me. I even had a GoFundMe page where people were giving funds for me to be able to pull it over.” 

Kennedy’s friends and supporters played a crucial role in his journey. “My friends really supported me. So I was able to have some change for myself to afford even proteins or any other thing that can supplement my food.” 

Advocacy for Affordable Treatment: A Call to Action

Kennedy passionately advocates for affordable cancer treatment and better access to medicine. “Most cancer patients don’t get affordable medicine like other terminal diseases such as HIV, where they can get supplemented treatments,” he said. “For cancer patients, you have to pay out of pocket, or you must have good insurance so that you are able to pay for your bills and sustain yourself.” 

In reflecting on his recovery process, Kennedy attributes much of his success to his own determination and the unwavering support of his caregivers and doctors. “My recovery process was mostly because of me deciding that I have to live up to the age of 100 years. But the people around me really helped me. My caregivers are very, very important. The doctors are very, very important and these people really helped me so much.” 

Today, Kennedy’s outlook on life remains positive. “I would say my cancer status is okay. I’m not really declared fully, fully clean. But the way I look at myself, I can’t decide when to go to the hospital because I don’t go. I’m not sick. I’m really healthy. I can do everything that every other person can do. So for me, myself, I think I am already cured. I even claim that I’m cured even if I know I have to wait for five years to be declared in remission. Now I’m two years down the line.” 

Kennedy Odhiambo’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.