The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in partnership with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), has launched a groundbreaking Multiple Myeloma Training Program aimed at transforming cancer care and improving patient outcomes in Uasin Gishu County.
The initiative, led by County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator Dr Wenceslaus Kuria and Project Investigator Dr Beatrice Melly, seeks to strengthen cancer detection and management at all levels of the healthcare system.
The program’s pilot phase will be implemented in Uasin Gishu County—an ideal setting for the initiative thanks to its robust network of healthcare facilities, ranging from community health units to tertiary hospitals. This infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to test and refine a comprehensive model for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of multiple myeloma.
“Our goal is to empower healthcare workers at every level with the knowledge and tools they need to identify multiple myeloma early and ensure patients receive timely, life-saving care,” said Dr Kuria.
The training curriculum focuses on equipping participants with practical skills and clinical insights to: recognise the early signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma, understand the disease’s epidemiology, risk factors, and progression, apply best practices in diagnosis, staging, and treatment, while also strengthening referral pathways across all levels of the health system.
By enhancing these capacities, the program aims to reduce diagnostic delays and ultimately lower morbidity and mortality rates associated with multiple myeloma.
The Uasin Gishu pilot will serve as a blueprint for nationwide rollout, aligning closely with Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy.
Insights gained from this pilot will inform similar training programs across the country, expanding access to quality cancer care.
“This program is not just about training—it’s about building a sustainable framework for cancer control. Its impact will go beyond Uasin Gishu, shaping how Kenya responds to multiple myeloma and other complex cancers,” said Dr Melly.
As the burden of cancer continues to rise in Kenya, the AMPATH Multiple Myeloma Training Program represents a proactive, system-strengthening approach—bridging the gap between community health and specialised oncology care.
The success of this pilot could mark a new era in Kenya’s fight against cancer, ensuring that no patient is left behind due to late detection or lack of awareness.
