Description of Collaborative Activity: |
Kenya has an estimated population of over 42 million. Cancer ranks third as a cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. It estimated that over 18,000 Kenyans die of cancer annually. The most common types of cancer in Kenya are cancers of the cervix, breast, esophagus, and prostate. The Ministry of Health released a National Cancer Control Strategy (2010-2015) and a National Cervical Cancer Prevention Program Strategic Plan (2012-2015). NCI looks to build upon those efforts in coordination with the many US government and non-governmental partners (NGOs) working in the country. US government agencies, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), the Fogarty International Center (FIC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have a significant presence in Kenya. Between FY2010 and FY2012, there were 121 NIH or CDC awards totaling $160.1M, and USAID invested $700 million in Kenya in FY2011. At least six NCI-designated cancer centers have activities in Kenya ranging from capacity building for cancer screening and treatment to studies of cancers associated with chronic infection, including HPV. Notably, Moi University has hosted the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) partnership, along with Indiana University (IU), since 2001. The AMPATH-Moi-IU partnership has created the largest clinical research data enterprises in the developing world and includes 18 HIV clinics in western Kenya with 2,000 new patients enrolling per month as of 2012. |
