The National Cancer Institute-Kenya (NCI-K) hosted a delegation from the University of Manchester for an engagement to strengthen collaboration in cancer research, diagnostics, screening, training, mentorship, and capacity building.
The visiting team was received by the NCI-K Chief Executive Officer, who welcomed the delegation and highlighted the Institute’s mandate and ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer control through research, evidence generation, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
During the visit, the delegation was taken through the work of the National Cancer Registry, providing an overview of cancer data collection, analysis, and reporting in Kenya. The team also received a presentation on the NCI-K Cancer Data Dashboard, featuring the latest available 2024 cancer data, and demonstrating how data and evidence are being used to inform cancer planning, policy, research, and service delivery.
The discussions identified several potential areas of collaboration between NCI-K and the University of Manchester, with a strong focus on leveraging research, technology, expertise, and training to improve cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care in Kenya.
One of the key areas discussed was national breast imaging, including opportunities to strengthen mammography services and explore innovative approaches to breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
The teams discussed potential collaboration around AI-based interpretation and detection, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to support the interpretation of mammographic images and improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer detection.
The discussions also considered the uptake and accessibility of breast cancer screening in both rural and urban settings, with an emphasis on understanding barriers to screening and developing approaches that can improve access and utilization across different populations.
Lung cancer screening was identified as another important area for potential collaboration. The teams explored opportunities to develop research and evidence around appropriate screening approaches, implementation, and the feasibility of strengthening early detection of lung cancer in Kenya.
The engagement also explored opportunities for fellowship programmes and mentorship, which would provide Kenyan researchers and healthcare professionals with opportunities to strengthen their technical expertise, research skills, and professional networks.
Both institutions expressed interest in developing structured approaches to mentorship and knowledge exchange that can support the next generation of cancer researchers and specialists.
Histopathology and Diagnostic Capacity
Histopathology was identified as another potential area of collaboration, particularly in strengthening diagnostic capacity and addressing existing gaps in specialist skills, infrastructure, technology, and laboratory services.
The discussions emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of skills gaps across the cancer care and research ecosystem and using the findings to inform targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Training and Capacity Building
The teams discussed opportunities to strengthen cancer training through the development of a training institute and structured learning programmes. Potential areas include the development of standardized training modules that can be delivered through online engagement platforms, as well as targeted short-term training programmes for healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Such programmes could provide flexible opportunities for continuous professional development while supporting the transfer of knowledge and expertise between Kenya and the University of Manchester.
Research in Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The engagement also highlighted opportunities for collaborative research in emerging areas of cancer science and technology, including genomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning.
These areas present significant opportunities to advance precision oncology, improve cancer diagnostics, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and generate locally relevant evidence for cancer control in Kenya.
The teams also explored the potential application of AI in research methodologies, including innovative approaches to study design and participant randomization.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
The visit provided an important platform for NCI-K and the University of Manchester to identify areas of mutual interest and explore practical opportunities for long-term collaboration.
The discussions underscored the importance of partnerships that bring together research, clinical expertise, technology, training, data, and innovation to address Kenya’s cancer burden and strengthen the national cancer control ecosystem.
NCI-K looks forward to further engagements with the University of Manchester as both institutions explore opportunities to translate the areas identified into concrete collaborative programmes that will contribute to improved cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, and workforce development in Kenya.
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