Joining forces to overcome cancer: The Kenya cancer research and control stakeholder program. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Topazian, Hillary; Cira, Mishka; Dawsey, Sanford M.; Kibachio, Joseph; Kocholla, Lillian; Wangai, Mary; Welch, Jack; Williams, Makeda J.; Duncan, Kalina; Galassi, Annette
• Is Part Of: Journal of cancer policy. Volume 7(2016)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Cancer -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Patients -- Services for -- Periodicals; Medical Oncology -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Cancer; Periodicals; 362.196994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2015.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-5383

Abstract

Highlights: US NCI and Kenya MOH collaboratively planned and executed a two-day workshop. Workshop aim was to improve coordination of cancer control activities. Over 80 stakeholders participated from 40 Kenyan and international organizations. Coordinated programs have moved forward in cancer control policy, pathology, surveillance. Progress has been made in community education, and systems-level cancer care. Abstract: Background: Cancer is the third leading cause of mortality in Kenya, accounting for 7% of annual deaths. The Kenyan Ministry of Health (MOH) is committed to reducing cancer mortality, as evidenced by policies such as the National Cancer Control Strategy (2011–2016). There are many Kenyan and international organizations devoted to this task; however, coordination is lacking among stakeholders, resulting in inefficient and overlapping expenditure of resources. Methods: The MOH and the NCI Center for Global Health collaboratively executed a two day workshop to improve coordination among government, NGO, and private organizations. Over 80 stakeholders participated from leading cancer research and control institutions in Kenya and the international sphere. Findings: Actionable recommendations include: establishment of a nationally representative population-based cancer registry; enhanced training for community health workers, nurses, researchers, pathologists, and oncology specialists; a reconfigured referral process, including leveraging of existing resources to improve access to cancer care; and coordinated community outreach and education. The MOH is in the process of forming a Technical Working Group (TWG) and has elected a Board of Directors for the newly established Kenyan National Cancer Institute (KNCI), with both entities committed to advancing the cancer control work of the MOH. Interpretation: This stakeholder meeting enhanced in-country networks, identified priority needs and developed actionable proposals for coordinated improvement of cancer research and control. Active, persistent follow-up by the TWG, KNCI, and other partners will be needed to turn proposals into reality and ensure that partners' investments are integrated into larger cancer control efforts prioritized by MOH.