Maseno University launches research center to mitigate cancer

By Education News Reporter  

The outgoing Principal Secretary in the State Department for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi has launched the Western Kenya Cancer Care and Research Center (WKCCRC) at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.

The Centre which was funded by the National Research Fund (NRF) under the infrastructure category through Maseno University at a cost of Ksh 70.2 million shall conduct cutting edge, demand-driven research in human cancers and provide specialized diagnostic, curative, patient care and support.

The Centre which was amongst some twenty-supported pioneer infrastructure projects nationally will further create its niche as a national training facility in cancer and related conditions.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Centre at JOOTRH in Kisumu on November 10, 2022 Nabukwesi noted that the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally, with a strikingly disproportionate increase in prevalence and related mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); is a major threat to sustainable development and that the epidemiologic trend of cancers in LMICs is of particular concern.

According to Nabukwesi, despite a lower incidence of cancer in LMICs compared with high-income countries, total cancer-related mortality is significantly higher in LMICs, especially in people younger than 65 years of age.

“The enormous economic impact of premature mortality and lost productive life years highlights the critical importance of galvanizing cancer prevention, management and research so as to lower cancer-related disparities,” said Nabukwesi.

Nabukwesi observed that as part of its strategic response to promote training institutions to build their research capacity, the government through the NRF has since July 2017, supported the creation of robust, responsive and demand-driven infrastructure in favor of specialized cancer patient care and cutting-edge research in Western Kenya, including the Lake Region Economic Block counties.

Outgoing PS University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi being taken through the Western Kenya Cancer Care and Research Center (WKCCRC) with a staff at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the NRF urged the National Treasury to increase funding for NRF to enable the Fund continue improving research infrastructures to facilitate scientists carrying out cutting edge research.

He further urged Maseno University to explore both bilateral and multilateral funding schemes on research infrastructure to supplement the highly competitive government funding.

According to Prof. Michieka, the Centre will support the goals of fostering conducive infrastructures for innovation, enriching staff and student experience, supporting research excellence, developing outstanding human resources, sustaining campus growth, ensuring financial stability and engaging community participation while providing the students, researchers and scientists with cutting edge competencies for research and innovation.

“The demand for quality services from Government Agencies by citizens continues to escalate considering changing technology and increased access to information and knowledge by citizens,” said Prof. Michieka.

According to WKCCRC Principal Investigator Dr. Benson Nyambega, the Centre has already actualized Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between JOOTRH and Maseno University, research and diagnostic equipment procured, donated space at JOOTRH refurbished, new opportunities and Partnerships exploited and funding for research obtained.

Dr. Nyambega further revealed that he has so far received research funding for Cancer Data Systems Development from BIO Ventures for Global Health within the framework of the African Consortium for Cancer Clinical Trials (AC3T) and also African Early Stage Investigator (AESI) support from National Cancer Institute (NCI).

However, the Research Centre has experienced several challenges notably procurement delays due to the COVID 19 pandemic,  approval process for rationalized budget to procure items critical for Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) accreditation leading to unprecedented delays, and logistical and accreditation related expenses that were not anticipated hence need for budgetary adjustments from savings.

As noted by Dr. Nyambega, the project’s journey to sustainability will require up-scaling of marketing and communication, enhanced revenue streams including; charging fees for clinical oncology services especially in diagnostics (laboratory and imaging), research and capacity building where resident WKCCRC researchers compete for solicited and unsolicited research grant opportunities, fundraising activities and events, setting up endowments and in-kind support; and partnerships and collaborations.

Among those who attended the commissioning include Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JOOTRH Dr. George Rae, CEO NRF Prof. Dickson Andala; Maseno University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Partnerships, Research and Innovations Prof. Erick Nyambedha and Director, Research and Innovations at Maseno University Prof. Collins Ouma.

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