KEMRI takes part in this year’s 8th Cancer Conference.

KEMRI led by the Principle investigator Dr. Thomas Odeny and other research scientists joined stakeholders, policy makers, academia, researchers, and health providers in this year’s 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference (KICC) themed “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World.” The Conference was held in Kisumu from November 21st to 24th, 2024 and sought to address Kenya’s growing cancer burden and explore strategies to improve care and outcomes.

KEMRI researchers delivered three oral presentations and showcased five poster presentations covering diverse aspects of cancer research including determinant of time to treatment of cancer, diagnosis of Esophageal cancer, and mortality and loss to follow up among cancer patients, early and advanced cervical cancer among women and association between clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with virus associated cancers. All these studies were conducted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital( JOOTRH). The presentations provided insights to cancer research and the Institute’s focus in developing solutions tailored to the unique needs healthcare needs of Kenyans.

The Conference, officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Barasa saw the announcement of a transformative initiative to expand Kenya’s cancer care network. Dr. Barasa revealed plans to establish regional cancer centers in Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru and Nyeri,a move aimed at decentralizing care and improving access to treatment across the country.

“Cancer is a growing burden which affects countless Kenyan Families. Our government is committed to addressing this challenge through improved early detection, enhanced infrastructure and integration of cancer care under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework,” Dr. Barasa emphasized in her opening address. Dr. Barasa further highlighted the inclusion of cancer care packages in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) to ease the financial burden on patients.

The Conference offered a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and exploration of innovative solutions to Kenya’s cancer challenges. KEMRI researchers engaged with global and local stakeholders on various topics in depth such as strengthening of cancer registries, improving diagnostics and integrating cancer care to primary healthcare systems among others.

The discussions emphasized the need to focus on emerging technologies, including telemedicine and advanced diagnostic tools, which were hailed as potential game changers inn resource limited settings in the region.

Among the KEMRI scientists who participated and presented their study findings during the conference include; study coordinator Ms. Everlyne Nyandieka, study Nurse Ms. Sharon Achieng, Ms. Donatella Atieno and Mr. Nichodemus Amollo.