10,000 Kenyans now receive long-term care for diabetes and hypertension

A partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and mPharma has helped over 10,000 Kenyans access long-term care for hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The Access to Healthcare program reached this milestone in 2022, expanding from an earlier pilot phase. Many in the country still struggle with late diagnosis and inconsistent treatment for these conditions.

The program began by screening communities and referring patients for structured care. In 2021 alone, it engaged more than 150,000 people through nurse-led check-ups and facility-based treatment. Follow-up care is now delivered via mobile and pop-up clinics, supported by digital health provider Zuri Health.

Linking diagnosis, referral, and ongoing treatment has improved patient retention rates. The initiative targets counties with high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which cause 27% of all deaths in Kenya. Over 50 healthcare centres and 345 doctors now collaborate to strengthen referral networks and community outreach. The next phase will focus on better follow-up quality, keeping patients in care, and embedding the model into Kenya's wider health system. The goal is to ensure more people receive continuous treatment for chronic conditions.

The program's growth reflects its success in reaching underserved communities. With structured screening and digital support, it has created a clearer care pathway for thousands. Future efforts will build on this model to improve long-term health outcomes across Kenya.