The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has announced a transformative partnership with the University of Notre Dame, USA, to advance breast cancer research in Kenya.
The collaboration aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities, inform healthcare policies, and foster growth through capacity building and exchange programs. In a statement released Wednesday, JOOTRH emphasized the importance of the initiative given the rising prevalence of breast cancer in the region.
“Breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns in the Western region, with the oncology department at JOOTRH experiencing a significant influx of cases. However, diagnostic and treatment capacities remain limited, underscoring the urgency of this study,” the statement noted.
The research team, comprising specialists such as Dr. Solomon Sava, Dr. Jackline Aridi, Dr. Fiona Adagi, Dr. Mitchel Okumu, David Onoka, and Sara Mumbua, will focus on understanding the histopathological characteristics of breast cancer cases diagnosed at the hospital between December 2018 and December 2024.
The study will also engage caregivers, particularly next of kin, to gather comprehensive patient data that could inform future interventions and treatment protocols.
JOOTRH’s molecular laboratory, equipped with advanced tools like an automatic stainer, will play a pivotal role in ensuring precise and efficient diagnostics. Additionally, Maseno University is set to join the project as a partner to help achieve its objectives.
The research now awaits critical elements, including budget allocation for reagents, ethics clearance, permits from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), and remuneration for investigators based on milestones.
Notre Dame, a prestigious Catholic research university based in Indiana, USA, brings a wealth of expertise to the project. Founded in 1842, the institution has a long history of advancing medical research globally.
This partnership is poised to not only enhance breast cancer diagnostics and treatment in Kisumu but also set a precedent for collaborative healthcare innovations in the region.
