Regional Collaboration for Breast Cancer Imaging
KUTRRH hosted a high-level International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) training course. The event marked a significant milestone in regional collaboration to strengthen breast cancer imaging, diagnosis, and management across Africa. The week-long training brought together participants from over thirteen (13) African countries, united by a shared goal of building capacity in breast cancer care. The program focused on up-skilling radiologists, technologists, and clinicians in multimodality-based imaging approaches, a key step towards improving early detection and treatment outcomes for breast cancer across the continent.
Experts highlighted that cancer is still one of the leading causes of death among women in Africa, mainly because of late diagnosis and limited access to proper testing and treatment. To address this, the training aims to equip healthcare workers with advanced imaging skills to support long-term cancer control in the region.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Speaking during the opening session, KUTRRH’s CEO, Dr. Zeinab Gura, underscored the hospital’s ongoing commitment to advancing comprehensive cancer care. She added that these efforts reflect the hospital’s dedication to reversing the trend of late cancer presentations and limited access to treatment that continues to affect women across Africa.
Investing in Advanced Cancer Technologies
KUTRRH has made significant investments in cutting-edge medical technologies, including the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC) developed in partnership with the IAEA. This facility, the first and most advanced of its kind in Eastern and Central Africa, enables early detection and precise staging of cancers through molecular imaging. The hospital is also home to Kenya’s first CyberKnife machine, only the second in Africa, which offers precision radiotherapy for cancer and other complex medical conditions. These advanced technologies position the hospital as a regional leader in oncology care, research, and innovation.
Representing the IAEA, Dr. Miriam Mikhail expressed the Agency’s appreciation to Kenya, KUTRRH, and all participating countries for their dedication to improving cancer care in Africa. “This training reflects our shared mission to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality across the continent. Through collaboration, we can broaden the impact of medical imaging and enhance the capabilities of healthcare workers,” said Dr. Mikhail. She further highlighted Kenya’s leadership role in the IAEA’s “Rays of Hope” initiative, a global program aimed at improving cancer management and access to radiotherapy in developing countries. Kenya, as one of the first beneficiaries of the initiative, continues to set a strong example for other African nations.
Regional Collaboration Through AFRA
Dr. David Ngige, the National Coordinator at the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Kenya. He emphasized that the training aligns with AFRA’s regional priorities in health, particularly in cancer care and management, adding that the initiative represents a collective fight that Africa must win together.
Advancing Cancer Care in Kenya
This year’s global breast cancer awareness theme, “Every Woman is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” resonates strongly with our commitment to Quality Patient-Centred Care. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, KUTRRH announced that it will offer free breast cancer diagnostic services throughout October to encourage early screening and raise awareness.
A Shared Vision for a Healthier Africa
The IAEA-led training not only reinforces Kenya’s leadership in cancer control but also exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing global health challenges. With continued collaboration between KUTRRH, IAEA, AFRA, and regional partners, Africa is making meaningful strides towards a future where every woman has access to timely, accurate, and life-saving cancer care.