The fight against cervical cancer in Kenya received a significant boost as the Aga Khan University (AKU) secured a research grant worth Ksh. 19.6 million from the National Institutes of Health. This grant is part of a larger Ksh. 261 million initiative funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to drive the development and clinical testing of an innovative low-cost handheld 3D medical imaging device designed specifically for detecting cervical cancer.

Led by Dr Elkanah Omenge, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AKU Medical College, East Africa, and Co-Principal Investigator of the grant, the university is poised to make significant strides in tackling the burden of cervical cancer in the country. Dr. Omenge expressed his optimism for the grant, highlighting its potential to revolutionize early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer patients, thereby combating this preventable disease.

Cervical cancer remains a pressing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 660,000 new cases reported in 2022 alone. Shockingly, around 94% of the 350,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer in the same year occurred in these regions, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, surpassing breast cancer, and tragically ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the female population.

The disparity in cervical cancer incidence and mortality is exacerbated by limited access to preventive measures such as HPV vaccination programs and effective screening strategies, particularly in less developed regions. The research grant awarded to AKU represents a pivotal opportunity to address these challenges head-on, leveraging innovative technology to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.

In collaboration with Pensievision, Inc., an imaging technology startup, AKU will commence clinical testing of the handheld 3D medical imaging device in September 2024. The study, implemented at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, as well as the hospital's outreach medical centres and at the community level, will also involve research and development activities at the University of Science and Technology in Malawi and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in the United States.

Dr. Joe Carson, Co-Principal Investigator on the grant and Pensievision's Chief Technology Officer expressed enthusiasm about translating years of research and development into tangible clinical impact. He underscored the importance of partnerships with health leaders at Aga Khan University in driving innovation and deploying life-saving technologies for cervical cancer prevention.

By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this initiative holds the potential to save countless lives and alleviate the burden of cervical cancer on communities worldwide.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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