Access to nuclear medicine and precision healthcare is expanding across Africa, but significant gaps remain in infrastructure, specialist capacity, regulatory pathways and the availability of radiopharmaceuticals.
Ahead of AfriSummit 2026, we spoke with Purity Kathuri, General Manager at Xenopia Group Limited, about what is needed to broaden access to advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies, the regulatory and infrastructure considerations shaping radiopharmacy development, and Kenya’s potential to strengthen its role as a regional centre for nuclear medicine and precision oncology.
Question 1: What needs to happen for more African patients to benefit from nuclear medicine and precision healthcare?
For more African patients to benefit from nuclear medicine and precision healthcare, we need to focus on three priorities: access, capacity, and collaboration.
First, access to radiopharmaceuticals and advanced diagnostic technologies must improve. Many patients are diagnosed late because critical molecular imaging and targeted therapies are not readily available or are concentrated in a few major cities.
Second, we need to invest in local capacity by developing radiopharmacy infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and strengthening quality and safety systems. Building sustainable local expertise is essential to expanding services beyond a handful of centres.
Third, stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, healthcare institutions, industry, and development partners is critical. By working together, we can create efficient pathways that allow innovative diagnostics and therapies to reach patients faster.
At Xenopia Group, our mission is to bridge the gap in access to precision oncology and nuclear medicine by supporting healthcare facilities with end-to-end radiopharmacy solutions, regulatory support, technology partnerships, and capacity building. We believe every African patient deserves access to timely diagnosis and targeted treatment regardless of geography.
Question 2: What are the main regulatory or infrastructure barriers limiting wider access to radiopharmaceuticals in Africa?
Radiopharmaceuticals are unique because they sit at the intersection of pharmaceutical regulation, radiation safety, and healthcare delivery. In many African markets, approval pathways and licensing requirements are still evolving, which can slow the introduction of new products and technologies.
Infrastructure is another challenge. Nuclear medicine requires specialized facilities, quality control laboratories, radiation protection systems, trained personnel, and reliable logistics. Without these foundational elements, it becomes difficult to establish sustainable services.
Supply chain constraints are also significant because many radiopharmaceuticals have very short half-lives and must be transported, handled, and administered within strict timelines. Delays in importation, customs clearance, or regulatory approvals can directly affect patient care.
The good news is that progress is accelerating. We are seeing greater commitment from regulators, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders to harmonize standards and strengthen local capabilities. At Xenopia, we are working closely with healthcare institutions and regulatory authorities to support compliant radiopharmacy implementation, quality assurance, and sustainable access to critical radiopharmaceuticals across the region.
Question 3: Kenya has the potential to become a regional centre for nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy. What could help Kenya achieve that?
Kenya is exceptionally well positioned to become East Africa’s leading hub for nuclear medicine, radiopharmacy, and precision oncology.
Achieving this vision will require continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and regulatory innovation. Expanding PET/CT, SPECT/CT, theranostics, and radiopharmaceutical production capabilities will strengthen the country’s ability to serve both local and regional patients.
Kenya also has an opportunity to become a centre for radiopharmacy manufacturing, research, training, and clinical trials. By creating an environment that supports innovation and public-private partnerships, the country can attract investment while reducing dependence on imported healthcare solutions.
Equally important is regulatory leadership. A predictable, science-based regulatory environment can accelerate the introduction of new technologies while maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient safety.
At Xenopia Group, we have seen firsthand the growing demand for advanced molecular imaging and targeted therapies across the region. Through our work in radiopharmacy implementation, radiopharmaceutical supply, technology partnerships, training, and regulatory support, we believe Kenya can evolve into a regional Centre of Excellence that expands access to precision healthcare for millions of patients across Africa
Conclusion:
“The future of cancer care and precision healthcare in Africa will be shaped by collaboration. When regulators, healthcare providers, industry partners, and innovators work together, we can build sustainable nuclear medicine ecosystems that bring world-class diagnosis and treatment closer to African patients. Xenopia is proud to be part of that journey.