Washington D.C: Dr. Miriam Mutebi, a prominent breast cancer surgeon from Aga Khan University in Kenya, addressed the White House Africa Cancer Care Forum, underscoring significant progress and challenges in cancer care across Africa.

According to The Aga Khan University, Dr. Mutebi’s presentation at the forum on July 15 highlighted the urgent need for a shift in how cancer is perceived and treated on the continent. She shared the compelling story of Amina, a 38-year-old Kenyan woman, to illustrate the positive changes and persistent hurdles in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Africa. Dr. Mutebi, who recently received the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Humanitarian Award, emphasized the development of National Cancer Control Plans and the regionalization of cancer centers in Africa, which are crucial for improving access to care and reducing the travel burden for patients.

Dr. Mutebi also celebrated the rise of grassroots advocacy, pointing out the increasing collaboration among community leaders, healthcare workers, and patients to enhance cancer awareness and support. She cited the case of Amina, who has since founded a civil society organization to aid newly diagnosed cancer patients and is actively involved in shaping health policies in Kenya.

The forum also addressed the global disparity in oncology resources, with Dr. Mutebi calling for more equitable funding distribution and increased cancer research tailored to the African context. She pointed out that cancer research in Africa constitutes only 8% of the global total, with a small number of countries conducting the majority of the continent’s research.

In conclusion, Dr. Mutebi urged for innovative approaches to enhance research, service delivery, and patient care, aiming to make AKU’s Cancer Centre and its Clinical Research Unit in Nairobi leaders in advancing cancer treatment tailored for African populations.