Kenya is in talks with the European Haematology Association exploring ways to collaborate on enhancing cancer research, capacity building and patient care.
These were the key focus points during a meeting attended by Health, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa; National Cancer Institute, CEO, Dr. Elias Melly; African Organization for Research & Training in Cancer (AORTIC), President, Dr Miriam Mutebi; European Haematology Association President-Elect, Prof. Konstanze Döhner; and European Haematology Association, Executive Board Member, Christoph Röllig, at a hotel in Kisumu on the sidelines of the 8th edition of the Kenya International Cancer Conference.
“We explored various avenues for cooperation, including capacity building by organizing joint training programs and workshops for Kenyan haematologists,” said Dr. Melly.
He says Kenya is also keen on collaborating with the European Haematology Association to foster joint research initiatives to advance the understanding of haematological diseases.
Dr. Melly says the meeting also deliberated on how Kenya and the European Haematology Association can share “best practices and innovative treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes.”
Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) Interim President Dr Helena Musau highlighted how cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya and the second among noncommunicable diseases, with about 44,726 new cases and 29,317 deaths in the country annually.
She said the figure is projected to steadily increase to 95,000 new cancer cases by the year 2040.
Dr. Musau said the 8th edition of the Kenya International Cancer Conference held in Kisumu attracted over 400 delegates drawn from over 50 countries.
Dr. Barasa acknowledged the need for collective action to bridge gaps in cancer care, emphasising on the need for early detection and treatment.
“My Ministry through the National Cancer Institute is setting up a National Cancer Reference and Research Laboratory to improve diagnostics, enable clinical trials, and enhance patient outcomes,” the Health Cabinet Secretary said.
Dr. Barasa commended the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) for its leadership in professional development and resource mobilisation.