Uasin Gishu, MTRH Launch Landmark Multiple Myeloma Training Program for Healthcare Providers

 

The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), has launched a pioneering Multiple Myeloma Training Program designed to revolutionize cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment in the region.

The initiative, spearheaded by County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator Dr. Wenseslaus Kuria and Project Investigator Dr. Beatrice Melly, seeks to equip healthcare providers across all levels of the health system with specialized knowledge and skills to identify and manage multiple myeloma—a type of blood cancer that often goes undetected until advanced stages.

“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 during the launch event.

The pilot phase of the program will roll out in Uasin Gishu County, selected for its robust healthcare infrastructure, which spans from community health units to tertiary hospitals. This setup provides an ideal environment to test a comprehensive model for early detection, effective referral, and coordinated treatment of multiple myeloma patients.

The training curriculum will focus on:

• Recognizing early signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma
• Understanding disease epidemiology, risk factors, and progression
• Applying best practices in diagnosis, staging, and treatment
• Strengthening referral pathways within the health system

By enhancing these core competencies, the program aims to reduce diagnostic delays and improve survival outcomes for patients living with multiple myeloma in the region.

Dr. Melly emphasized the program’s long-term vision, noting that the pilot will serve as a blueprint for national implementation, aligned with Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy.

“This program is not just about training—it’s about building a sustainable framework for cancer control,” said Dr. Melly. “Its impact will go beyond Uasin Gishu, shaping how Kenya responds to multiple myeloma and other complex cancers.”

The initiative is part of the broader AMPATH cancer program, which aims to bridge the gap between community health services and specialized oncology care. As cancer cases continue to rise in Kenya, such collaborative, system-strengthening approaches are seen as vital to improving early diagnosis and ensuring equitable access to care.

Health officials and stakeholders hailed the launch as a milestone in Kenya’s fight against cancer, expressing optimism that the Uasin Gishu pilot will set a precedent for comprehensive, county-led cancer control efforts across the country.

“The success of this program could mark a new era in Kenya’s cancer response—one where no patient is left behind due to late detection or lack of awareness,” Dr. Kuria added.