Abstract:
Despite improved treatment strategies for multiple myeloma (MM), patient outcomes in low- and middle-
income countries remain poor, unlike high-income countries. Scarcity of specialized human resources and
diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship infrastructure are some of the barriers that patients with MM,
clinicians, and policymakers have to overcome in the former setting. To improve outcomes of patients with
MM in Western Kenya, the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) MM Program was
set up in 2012. In this article, the program’s activities, challenges, and future plans are described distilling
important lessons that can be replicated in similar settings. Through the program, training on diagnosis and
treatment of MM was offered to healthcare professionals from 35 peripheral health facilities across Western
Kenya in 2018 and 2019. Access to antimyeloma drugs including novel agents was secured, and phar-
macovigilance systems were developed. Finally, patients were supported to obtain health insurance in
addition to receiving peer support through participation in support group meetings. This article provides an
implementation blueprint for similar initiatives aimed at increasing access to care for patients with MM in
underserved areas.
