Kenya expands healthcare access for non-communicable diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant and growing health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to a substantial number of premature deaths. Managing these conditions often presents financial and logistical hurdles for affected individuals.

The Access to Healthcare (ATH) program, developed by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with Zuri Health, Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), and Ampath, aims to address these challenges and improve access to care for patients in Kenya.

Program Overview

The ATH program seeks to provide affordable treatments and empower patients for better health, emphasizing healthcare equity. It operates on a patient-centered model encompassing several key stages.

Patient-Centered Model

The program begins with screenings at community pop-up clinics, where patients are assessed and referred based on their risk profiles. Following screening, physicians confirm diagnoses, and an independent team determines program eligibility. Enrolled patients receive affordable medication and are assigned a nurse for ongoing support. A follow-up period of at least 12 months provides guidance, adherence support, and medication refills through nurses and health coaches.

Program Results

After two years, the ATH program has demonstrated encouraging results. Over 8,000 patients have been enrolled, more than 30 healthcare centers have established formal partnerships, and over 345 physicians are actively referring patients.

Patient Graduation Assessment

In May 2025, a Patient Graduation Assessment was conducted by a third-party partner to evaluate patient management of their conditions after more than a year of coaching and care. Of 93 eligible patients, 59 completed the phone-based survey. The assessment revealed that 81 percent of respondents demonstrated strong knowledge of symptom recognition, disease management, and appropriate responses to complications. Participants expressed appreciation for the program’s impact on their treatment and overall outlook on health. Suggestions for improvement included increased in-person support, additional medication pick-up locations, and the establishment of peer support groups.

Sustainable Development Goals

The ATH program is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s broader Sustainable Development for Generations framework, which aims to expand access to healthcare for 50 million people by 2030. The company views these programs as integral to its core business and its purpose of transforming lives for future generations.

The writer is the Head of Sustainable Development at Boehringer Ingelheim for India, the Middle East, Turkey and the Africa region