Professor Nicholas Othieno-Abinya

Nicholas Anthony Othieno-Abinya is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Nairobi Hospital Cancer Centre. He was formerly Professor of Medicine at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, where he was the director of Medical Oncology Fellowship Program and also the head of Haematology/Oncology at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. In 2009 and 2010 he was Head of Oncology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

He holds a Master’s degree in Internal Medicine of the University of Nairobi, completed fellowship in Medical Oncology at the Royal London Hospital (University of London) in 1992, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

His research interests are in malignant haematology and breast cancer, in which he has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. He also has keen interest in molecular oncology. He has also authored a text book titled Drug Treatment of Haematologic Neoplasms. He has also co-authored cancer booklets, and has written chapters in several books. His latest book titled ‘Shadow in Perpetuity’ by Lambert Publishers was released in December 2019.

Dr. Othieno-Abinya is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and served in its International Affairs Committee from 2010-2012; Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), having been Vice Chair for Eastern Africa and was a long time member of Council; and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). He founded Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO), of which he was the first Chair, and is still its Patron. His outstanding academic achievements were profiled in the University of Nairobi magazine,’ Varsity Focus’ of September 2017.

He has received several awards and honours, including the Kenya Breast Health Programme Award in appreciation of contribution to success of the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Conference on 11-14 July 2003; Kenya Breast Health Programme Award in recognition for outstanding contribution to the care of women with breast cancer in Kenya; Best Oral Presentation by Established Scientist Award, 2^ND KASH Conference, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi;  2018 Harvard Global Health Catalyst: Distinguished African Ambassador Award.

Professor Fredrick Chite

Fredrick Chite Asirwa M.D. is the CEO of International Cancer Institute, an organization whose main purpose is to expand Education, Clinical Care and Training opportunities in cancer control and research across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through multi-sectoral collaborations and partnerships with relevant organizations both governmental and NGOs.

He is a Medical Oncologist & Hematologist, PD/PI of several access to personalized cancer care and research initiatives including Blueprint Program (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), Shining Tower Program, Clinical Trials Program-all geared towards enhancing early detection, promoting primary HPV screening, providing SOC diagnostics & therapeutics cancer research. He has developed several training programs including SSA Oncology Preceptorship training, Digital Pathology Program, Telemedicine Program, Oncology training for Physician assistants (Clinical Officers), development of Oncology Nursing training program in Kenya, Medical Oncology Fellowship Program, Oncology Pharmacy program and assisted in the development of gynecologic oncology program. He also conducts Oncology and Hematology Clinical Trials in SSA.

He was previously (2011-2019), the Director of Academic Model Providing Access to Health Care (AMPATH Oncology & Hematology Consortium) in Kenya. In this role he developed infrastructure for telemedicine at AMPATH, created a robust hematology & oncology outreach program in rural Kenya and participated in the development of the Kenya National Cancer Control policies, strategic plans and guidelines by the National MOH. As PI to various clinical and research programs he established Multiple Myeloma program, Lymphoma Program, functional tumor registry, Breast Cancer screening & treatment program, Hemophilia and Sickle cell diagnostics, treatment & research, EMR for Oncology care and screening, a multinational Lung Cancer Control Program, MLCCP (Kenya, South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, and Eswatini). He also teaches at various Universities in SSA and participates in Scientific Review Committees (SRC) of various Oncology Clinical Trial Centers in SSA.

Dr Manel Haj Mansoor

Manel Haj is a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Section Head of Medical Oncology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. She is also the current Fellowship Program Director in The Department of Hematology Oncology.

She graduated from the University Tunis, and undertook her Core Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology training the most prestigious University Hospitals in Tunisia where she received her certificate of completion in 2017. She has also received part of training at the Gustave Roussy Institute of cancer treatment in Paris, France.

She has previously worked as consultant medical oncologist and lecturer at Abdurrahman Mami University Hospital, Tunisia and at a leading health care facility in Nairobi.

Dr Haj is passionate about increasing cancer awareness and promoting screening and early detection. She has also a special interest in precision oncology and clinical research and is currently investigator in several clinical trials in the Cancer Research Unit at Aga Khan University Hospital.

She is a member of American (ASCO), European (ESMO) ,Tunisian and Kenyan societies of medical oncology ((STOM and KESHO).

Dr Lillian Ouma

Lilian Ouma holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) Degree from Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. As a medical doctor and current head of clinical research at the International Cancer Institute, she provides oversight on various clinical research projects. In this capacity, she is in charge of the management of both observational and interventional research projects, in various therapeutic fields, ensuring all study activities are conducted according to the study protocols. In her current capacity as the research manager, she has played a pivotal role in the establishment of research processes/systems within the research unit.

She is tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the execution of clinical trial protocols, overseeing participant recruitment and retention activities, and executing clinical quality and data quality management plans. Moreover, she has a host of skills in a wide range of study-related activities including preparation of study protocols, study budgets, site preparation for study start-up activities, study site initiation and closeout, development of research study SOPs, quality management plan (QMP), informed consent forms (ICFs), and case report forms (CRFs). Her extensive understanding of the principles of clinical research and applicable regulations as well as in-depth knowledge of both local and global regulatory requirements have been instrumental in her current role.

Dr Naftali Busakhala (Moderator)

Naftali Busakhala is a Senior Lecturer and specialist Physician at Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. He is the departmental postgraduate coordinator at the department of pharmacology and toxicology at Moi University. He is the co-chairman of the Ampath Oncology working group. Dr Busakhala is the principal investigator of the AIDS Malignancy Consortium, Moi University Site. He is also the principal investigator of the Lung and Breast Cancer Projects.

He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Prevention and Research, Lyon France. He has published widely in peer reviewed journals.

Dr Busakhala is the current President of the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO).

He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Moi University and a Masters of Medicine in Internal Medicine from University of Nairobi. He also received post graduate training in Pharmacology  from Tianjin University China and Makerere University Uganda. He was a Fogarty trainee in Haematology and Oncology at Brown University, USA.