National Cancer Institute Kenya

Category: Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum

  • NCI-K Participates in the Ongoing IARC@60 Conference in Lyon, France.

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    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) is participating in the ongoing IARC@60 Conference taking place from 19th to 21st May 2026 in Lyon, France.

    Held at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and La Halle Tony Garnier, the conference has brought together experts, researchers, policymakers, and global health leaders from around the world to launch a bold new era in cancer prevention and control by translating scientific advances into impactful public health action.

    During the conference, Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, delivered a presentation titled:

    “Strengthening Cancer Surveillance Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Formal Mentorship Model for Capacity Building.”

    The presentation emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), develop sustainable local expertise, and build resilient cancer surveillance systems across Sub-Saharan Africa to support evidence-based policy and decision-making.

    Dr. Elias Melly Delivering a Presentation at the IARC@60 Conference.

    The IARC@60 Conference, themed “Cancer Research into Action,” is celebrating six decades of scientific excellence and global collaboration in cancer research while looking ahead to the future of cancer prevention and control. The conference highlights the transformative power of science in shaping healthier societies through data-driven policies, the discovery of emerging risk factors, and the strengthened communication of scientific evidence.

    The three-day conference is structured around three key themes:

    • Discovery and Innovation for Cancer Prevention
    • Translating Research into Public Health Action
    • Science-Policy Interface for Global Change

    NCI-Kenya remains committed to advancing evidence-based cancer control, strengthening regional and global partnerships, and supporting robust data systems necessary to guide cancer policy, prevention, treatment, and research across Africa.

  • Dr. Elias Melly Represents Kenya at the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum on Cancer Ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly

    Dr. Elias Melly Represents Kenya at the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum on Cancer Ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly

    Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), is representing Kenya at the inaugural Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum (CHCF) on the cancer agenda taking place in Geneva ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly.

    Held under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Cancer Across the Commonwealth,” the forum brings together Health Ministers, senior government officials, chief medical officers, global health leaders, Commonwealth Accredited Organizations, and strategic partners from across the Commonwealth to discuss the future of cancer prevention, treatment, research, and care.

    The inaugural CHCF, chaired by the Government of Guyana and led by H.E. Leslie Ramsammy, former Minister of Health and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Office, is responding to the findings of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth. The discussions are expected to shape the Commonwealth’s collective cancer agenda for years to come.

    Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, at the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum.

    The forum aligns with the 79th World Health Assembly agenda on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Universal Health Coverage, the Immunization Agenda 2030, Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the Economics of Health for All.

    As Kenya’s representative, Dr. Melly is participating in high-level engagements focused on strengthening collaboration & partnerships, advancing equitable access to cancer care, and promoting coordinated global action in addressing the growing burden of cancer across Commonwealth countries.

    Objectives 

    • To facilitate dialogue on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care informed by the findings of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth
    • To share country experiences and best practices, and identify scalable solutions with particular attention to small and other vulnerable states
    • To support member countries in engaging with NCDs and cancer ahead of and during the WHA 
    • To explore potential collaboration among member countries, Commonwealth Accredited Organisations, and other international financial and development partners on financing the cancer agenda in the Commonwealth