The Ministry of Health has held talks with the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to strengthen cooperation in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and research.
The discussions took place in Nairobi on Monday during a meeting between Dr. Albino Amum Awin, Director of the Cancer Department at the Ministry of Health, and officials from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya).
Dr. Awin said the meeting focused on identifying areas of cooperation to address the growing cancer burden and improve access to cancer services.
“Recognizing that growing cancer burden is a public health concern in the region, the meeting focused on identifying areas of bilateral collaboration to strengthen the cancer care continuum,” Dr. Awin said.
He noted that Kenya’s established cancer care system could provide valuable lessons as the ministry works to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
The discussions covered cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, surveillance and research. The two sides also explored opportunities for training health workers, sharing expertise and improving access to quality cancer services.
Dr. Awin said the meeting followed earlier discussions with NCI-Kenya Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly during the 2026 Joint Scientific Conference of AFCRN-NORA-REACCT-CAN and IACR in Arusha, Tanzania.
The meeting also highlighted Kenya’s role in regional and international cancer control efforts, including its selection to host the 2027 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The summit, organised by the Union for International Cancer Control, brings together policymakers, cancer specialists, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve cancer prevention and care worldwide.
At the end of the meeting, NCI-Kenya donated policy documents and cancer guidelines to support the ministry’s National Cancer Department in developing its own framework.
Dr. Awin welcomed the engagement, expressing confidence that the discussions would strengthen regional cooperation and support efforts to reduce the cancer burden.
The meeting was attended by NCI-Kenya officials, including Emily Barsito, Head of the Directorate of Strategy, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization; George Saikwa, Head of the Resource Mobilization Division; and Julius Kibichii, Assistant Director of the Cancer Control and Prevention Directorate.
The engagement is expected to provide a basis for further cooperation as the ministry works to improve cancer prevention, early detection and access to treatment services.
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