Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute at the Ministry of Health
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), in collaboration with City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), recently concluded a successful Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Care Training held at the Sarova PanAfric Hotel in Nairobi. The event underscored Kenya’s efforts to enhance cancer care by strengthening capacity, fostering collaboration, and advancing healthcare innovations.
The training brought together medical professionals and oncology experts to emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in cancer management. By combining expertise from different specialties, the program seeks to improve coordination and ensure comprehensive care for cancer patients across the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute under the Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of technology in transforming healthcare delivery in Kenya. “The healthcare system has been digitized, enabling the government to efficiently track patient records and medicine inventory across all healthcare facilities,” he stated. Dr. Melly further explained that this digitization ensures streamlined access to medical information, improves service delivery, and enhances accountability in managing healthcare resources.
The training marks another milestone in NCI-K’s ongoing efforts to build local capacity, foster knowledge sharing, and drive meaningful improvements in cancer outcomes. With cancer remaining a significant health challenge in Kenya, initiatives like these aim to provide healthcare providers with the tools and skills needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Dr. Melly also took the opportunity to encourage Kenyans to secure access to affordable and quality healthcare by registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA). “I urge all Kenyans to register with SHA by dialing *147# to ensure they can access affordable and quality healthcare services,” he emphasized.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the burden of cancer, NCI-K remains at the forefront of cancer advocacy, awareness, and care. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building programs, the organization is working to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, can access timely and effective cancer care.
The collaboration with global partners like C/Can and ASCO highlights the importance of knowledge exchange and innovation in addressing the cancer burden. This initiative not only reinforces Kenya’s commitment to advancing healthcare but also sets a strong foundation for improving cancer treatment outcomesnationwide.