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Here at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, we’re always excited to share news that fosters scientific advancement and improves health outcomes, particularly here in Kenya. Today, we’re highlighting a fantastic opportunity for early-to-mid career researchers and health practitioners in our community: CRDF Global has announced a call for applications for a program aimed at strengthening professional competencies in cancer research and policy.

This initiative is spearheaded by none other than Dr. Thomas Odeny, a distinguished Principal Investigator based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). His leadership ensures that the program is deeply rooted in the local context and attuned to the specific challenges and opportunities we face in tackling cancer in Kenya and beyond.

Addressing the Growing Cancer Burden in LMICs

The statistics are sobering. As highlighted by GLOBOCAN 2020, a staggering nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths are projected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by the year 2040. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for robust and locally-driven cancer research within these regions, including our own Kenya.

Strong cancer research originating from LMICs is not just about addressing local needs; it’s about generating generalizable knowledge and developing innovative tools that can contribute to effective cancer control on a global scale. By empowering our own researchers, we are investing in solutions that are tailored to our unique circumstances and have the potential for wider impact.

What This Program Offers:

This CRDF Global program offers a unique platform for early-to-mid career professionals to:

• Enhance their professional competencies: The program is designed to equip participants with crucial skills in areas such as research methodologies, data analysis, scientific writing, grant proposal development, ethical considerations, and policy engagement.
• Advance their careers in cancer research and policy: By strengthening their skillsets and expanding their networks, participants will be better positioned to lead impactful research projects and contribute to evidence-based policy changes.
• Contribute to a global effort: The program’s vision extends beyond Kenya, aiming to foster research that can contribute to cancer control across Africa and the world.
• Benefit from local expertise: Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Odeny at KEMRI, participants will receive mentorship and training that is deeply informed by the Kenyan research landscape.
• Become part of a collaborative network: The program will likely foster connections among researchers and practitioners, creating a valuable community for knowledge sharing and future collaborations.

A Call to Action for Kenyan Researchers:

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of cancer research in Kenya. For early-to-mid career researchers and health practitioners who are passionate about making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer, this is an exceptional opportunity to:

• Develop your skills and expertise.
• Expand your professional network.
• Contribute to impactful research that can save lives.
• Become a leader in the field of cancer research and policy.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a program that is poised to strengthen cancer research capacity in Kenya and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Ready to take the next step? You can find more details and application information at the following link: https://insights.crdfglobal.org/altor

Let’s spread the word and encourage our talented researchers to seize this incredible opportunity!

Introduction:

In a proactive move to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) this week hosted a comprehensive productivity mainstreaming training, facilitated by experts from the National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC). The week-long intensive program, which began on March 10^th and runs up to 14^th March 2025, aims to equip NCI-K staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to measure, manage, and ultimately improve organizational productivity.

The importance of this initiative was further highlighted by an impromptu visit from NPCC CEO, Dr. Nahashon Moitalel. His presence demonstrated the NPCC’s dedication to fostering a culture of productivity within key public institutions. Welcomed warmly by NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, Dr. Moitalel witnessed firsthand the engagement and enthusiasm of the participating staff.

Dr. Melly emphasized the dynamic role of the training in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of NCI-K personnel, ultimately leading to improved work productivity. Dr. Moitalel echoed this sentiment, urging staff to embrace productivity not merely as a means to achieve performance contract targets, but also as a fundamental principle for delivering superior service to the Kenyan people.

A Deep Dive into Productivity Metrics:

The training, led by seasoned NPCC facilitators Jeremy Mutembei and Vincent Chirchir, covered a broad spectrum of critical topics. Participants delved into the intricacies of:

• Productivity Metrics Theory: Understanding the foundational principles of measuring productivity.
• Development of Productivity Metrics: Learning practical techniques for creating relevant and effective metrics.
• Metrics Presentation and Validation: Mastering the art of communicating and verifying data.
• Objective Metrics and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process): Exploring advanced methods for prioritizing and evaluating metrics.
• Metrics Weight Allocation: Gaining insights into assigning appropriate weights to different metrics.
• Productivity Framework Development: Constructing a robust framework for ongoing productivity improvement.

This comprehensive training ensures that NCI-K staff gain a holistic understanding of productivity management, equipping them with the skills to implement meaningful changes within their daily operations.

The successful completion of this training will mark a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya. Through empowering its staff with the tools and knowledge to measure and improve productivity, NCI-K is poised to deliver even higher quality services to patients and the wider community.

The partnership between NPCC and NCI-K serves as a model for other public institutions seeking to optimize their operations and enhance service delivery. NCI-K will continue embracing a culture of continuous improvement to contribute to a more productive and prosperous Kenya.

In a significant victory for public health, the Kenyan government has announced a nationwide initiative to eradicate asbestos, a known and deadly carcinogen, from its public and private spaces.

This move marks a powerful step forward in the nation’s ongoing battle against cancer, placing the responsibility for safe removal squarely on the shoulders of property owners.

The Cabinet’s approval of this initiative, overseen by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens from the devastating effects of asbestos exposure.

The Cancer Connection: A Clear and Present DangerAsbestos is a recognized human carcinogen, directly linked to severe and often fatal diseases. Lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma—a particularly aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart—are among the grim consequences of asbestos exposure.

By mandating its removal, the government is directly targeting a major environmental cause of cancer, aiming to drastically reduce future disease burdens.

NEMA will enforce strict compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring that all removal processes adhere to the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006.Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Environmentally sound disposal: Ensuring asbestos waste is handled and disposed of safely.

• Compliance with regulations: Enforcing adherence to all relevant environmental laws.

• Public awareness: Educating the public about the dangers of asbestos.

• Environmental impact assessments (EIAs): Requiring EIAs before any removal work begins.

• Designated disposal sites: County governments will establish safe disposal locations.

A Proactive Approach to Public Health

The government’s proactive approach reflects a growing global awareness of the dangers of asbestos, especially in the spread of cancer.

By taking this decisive action, Kenya is not only protecting its citizens from a deadly threat but also setting a powerful example for other nations. The commitment to eradicating asbestos will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier future for all Kenyans.

The government’s message is clear: compliance is non-negotiable. Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in legal action. This is not just a matter of compliance; it’s a matter of life and death.

Kenya stands as Africa’s leading force in the fight against breast cancer, as confirmed by a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report. The data reveals Kenya’s impressive 66.7 percent capacity score, placing the nation at the continent’s forefront and serving as a model for other African countries. This score, significantly exceeding the regional average of 37.2 percent, underscores Kenya’s dedication to women’s health.

The report emphasizes Kenya’s exceptional performance in leadership and governance, evidenced by an 83.9 percent score. This success stems from the robust National Cancer Control Strategy (2021-2026), a comprehensive framework guiding prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) plays a crucial role in translating this strategy into action, coordinating national efforts and ensuring effective implementation.

Kenya’s journey is strengthened by vital international partnerships with organizations like WHO, the American Cancer Society, and the Roche Foundation, providing essential resources and expertise. Notably, Kenya, alongside Algeria, Mozambique, and Rwanda, maintains an organized breast cancer screening program, showcasing a proactive approach to early detection.

Beyond strategic planning and partnerships, Kenya’s commitment is evident in its advanced healthcare infrastructure. With at least ten dedicated cancer centers, the country boasts some of the most advanced cancer care facilities in Africa. This combination of strong leadership, strategic planning, collaborative partnerships, and robust infrastructure positions Kenya as a leader in breast cancer control, offering hope and improved outcomes for women across the nation.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya successfully commemorated World Cancer Day in Turkana County, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer in the region. The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency, Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan, Governor of Turkana County, and Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K, among other distinguished leaders.

The highlight of the event was the official launch of the oncology center at Lodwar Referral Hospital. This momentous occasion signifies a major step forward in improving access to cancer treatment and management for the people of Turkana County.

A historic first occurred on this World Cancer Day 2025, as the inaugural chemotherapy session was administered at the newly established facility. Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K, personally administered the first dose in the presence of the Governor, marking a crucial step in reducing the turnaround time for cancer treatment and alleviating the burden on patients who previously had to travel 360 kilometers to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for care.

During the event, NCI-K also launched a pilot program for colorectal cancer screening in the county. This initiative builds upon existing cancer screening efforts already underway in the region. Notably, HPV vaccination campaigns have been successfully implemented across all primary schools in Turkana County.

Throughout the week leading up to World Cancer Day, NCI-K provided a team of dedicated nurses who actively participated in screening and treating patients, demonstrating a commitment to providing immediate and accessible care. Furthermore, Dr. Melly himself spent time within the clinic, personally seeing patients. This hands-on leadership set a powerful example for all, emphasizing the importance of direct patient interaction and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the community.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Melly emphasized NCI-K’s commitment to collaborating closely with Turkana County to ensure accessible and equitable cancer care for all residents. He reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to leaving no one behind in the fight against this disease.

Governor Napotikan expressed his profound gratitude to NCI-K for prioritizing the needs of Turkana County and its people. He pledged his full support for the newly established oncology clinic, ensuring it receives all the necessary resources to operate effectively. Furthermore, the Governor committed to fully equipping the “Beyond Zero” mobile clinic, enabling it to effectively reach communities across the county and provide vital cancer screening services to the people.

To ensure the smooth and sustainable operation of the oncology clinic, Dr. Melly pledged to sponsor the training of one oncology doctor at the facility. Furthermore, medical professionals from MTRH will be making regular monthly visits to Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) to provide consultation and support in the management of cancer patients.

Dr. Melly expressed his unwavering support and commitment to the successful functioning of the oncology clinic. While acknowledging the potential challenges that may arise in establishing and maintaining the center, he expressed confidence in its success, drawing upon his experience in establishing the oncology center at MTRH, which also faced initial hurdles before achieving its current success.