The government is set to roll out the National Social Health Insurance Fund by July 1 as part of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. 

Speaking Wednesday in Nairobi when she officially opened the two day National cancer summit, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said  the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will soon be known as National Social Health Insurance Fund (NSHIF). 

The CS said this will ensure that Kenyans of all walks of life get access to better health care.  

Nakhumicha said the UHC program has identified cancer as a priority focus area to accelerate access to care services with reduced financial burden.   

She said through collaboration with county governments, her ministry has enhanced access to cancer screening. In line with the summit theme 'uniting our voices and taking action Nakhumicha called upon noble partners and well wishers to join hands with her ministry in ensuring its rolls out the universal health coverage together.

On his part, Kisumu county governor Professor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o  said Cancer Summit provides a golden opportunity for Africans to join hands and redesign our cancer interventions.

Cancer remains a public health concern in Kenya, it is the third leading cause of death in Kenya. In 2020, 42,000 new cases were reported in the country with 27,000 cancer related deaths. 

The summit is being held as part of our build up activities towards the global commemoration of World Cancer Day held in February each year. 

This day will be celebrated this Saturday 4th February in Garissa County.