The Access to Healthcare program by Boehringer Ingelheim, a research-driven biopharmaceutical company, in partnership with mPharma, has recently enrolled over 10,000 patients in long-term care for hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
In partnership with mPharma, the initiative was launched in 2022.
In a press statement issued by the Boehringer Ingelheim, the company is making progress in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“The milestone comes against the backdrop of a steadily worsening NCD crisis in Kenya, according to a study published in BMC Health Services Research, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 27% of deaths in Kenya. Globally, the challenge is even more pronounced,” part of the statement read.
Hale Asikoglu, Head of Sustainable Development for Generations, IMETA at Boehringer Ingelheim, said the program reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to care.
Additionally, she stated that Kenya urgently needed to change the health system to respond to chronic disease effectively.
Data on the NCDs
According to the World Health Organization, 82% of premature deaths from NCDs occur in low- and middle-income countries.
NCDs account for about 27% of deaths in the country, according to research published in BMC Health Services Research.
Late diagnosis and treatment interruption may lead to preventable complications, placing increasing strain on both families and the healthcare system.
In a 2025 patient assessment conducted more than 12 months into the program, 59 of 93 eligible patients completed the phone-based survey.
During the assessment, 81% were able to recognize symptoms of the diseases, management, and responses to symptoms.
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How the program works
The program will involve a combination of community-based screening, facility-linked treatment, and a follow-up approach for all patients.
Nurses will hold up to at least 12 months of patient follow-up to ensure that all patients stay in the treatment care.
Zuri Health, the digital health and community outreach partner, will offer digital services to the local community through mobile and pop-up clinics.
According to Dr. Anthony Nduati, Product Manager of the Chronic Disease Management Program at Zuri Health, the approach will help reduce the gap between diagnosis and sustained treatment.
“What we see in many communities is that people may get diagnosed, but they fall out of care very quickly. By linking screening, referral, and follow-up into a single continuous pathway, we are seeing more patients remain in care and better understand how to manage their condition over time. The numbers we are seeing today reflect not just reach, but continuity.” Anthony stated.
In addition to providing direct patient care, the program will work closely with healthcare facilities, clinicians, and supply partners.
This action will strengthen referral pathways and integrate community outreach with existing health services.
About Access to Healthcare
Access to Healthcare is a patient-centered initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim, aimed at improving access to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for people living with hypertension and type 2 diabetes in underserved communities in Kenya.
Through the community-based program, over 150,000 patients have been enrolled.
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About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health with a commitment to improving the health of people, animals, and communities while reducing its environmental footprint.
The research-driven biopharmaceutical company is working to expand access to healthcare for 50 million people by 2030, as part of its Sustainable Development for Generations strategy launched in 2021.
The company’s strategy pillars
- More Health.
- More Potential.
- More Green.
Boehringer Ingelheim aims to address health equity across the full continuum of care from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and long-term disease management, particularly in underserved communities.
To date, over 50 healthcare centers have signed formal partnerships, and more than 345 physicians are actively referring patients through the program.
