KEMRI and Partners at the forefront in the Fight Against Cancer.

In response to the clarion call for a united front in the fight against the scourge of cancer, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and its partners converged in South C, Nairobi, for a community cancer awareness and screening event. Held on 27th July 2025 at Kongoni Primary School grounds and organized by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya), the event served as a build-up to the upcoming 2nd National Cancer Summit. It aimed to amplify the importance of early screening for timely detection, prevention, and improved cancer outcomes.

Led by Anne Korir, Senior Research Scientist and Cancer Thematic Lead in the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Research Program at KEMRI, the initiative brought together partners including the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), External Excellencies Global Foundation, Moon Sun Trade International Limited, and Mobilab Kenya. Together, the team provided cancer education, awareness, and screening services for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.

The KEMRI team comprised personnel from the Nairobi Cancer Registry, Nursing Unit, and the Histopathology Laboratory at the Centre for Clinical Research. Trained staff conducted clinical breast examinations (CBE) for breast cancer, HPV rapid tests for younger women, and Pap smear tests for older women. Men received prostate cancer education, followed by Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing for high-risk individuals. Additionally, the team carried out screening for diabetes (blood sugar tests) and hypertension.

To ensure continuity of care, a follow-up program was initiated to guide individuals requiring further screening and link those in need of additional diagnostics to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The event underscored KEMRI’s commitment to advancing community health through strategic partnerships, delivery of quality services, and advocacy for collective responsibility in the fight against cancer. Also in attendance were key partners such as the Ministry of Health, KESHO, Texas Cancer Centre, and Zuri Health, who worked collaboratively to deliver vital health services to the community.

The 2nd National Cancer Summit will be held from 27th to 30th July 2025 at The Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi. With the theme “Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action,” the Summit aims to assess progress in cancer prevention and early detection, advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improve access to effective treatment, and promote stakeholder collaboration. KEMRI will be actively represented at the Summit, with several scientists including Dr. Bernard Ogutu, Dr. Samuel Gathere, and Anne Korir set to participate as speakers.