A delegation from the Committee on Health of Kisumu County Members of Parliament, Kenya, led by Hon. Vincent Jagongo, has concluded a four-day benchmarking visit to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala, Uganda. The visit took place from September 9th to 12th, 2024, and aimed to gain insights into the successful operations of UCI as Kisumu seeks to establish a similar cancer treatment center.
The delegation included medical professionals such as Dr. Joy Muyonga, a pediatrician, and Dr. Don Sunday, who summarized the key learnings and outcomes of the visit. Dr. Muyonga expressed her admiration for UCI’s robust pediatric cancer services, noting the exceptional level of care and the integration of specialized pediatric oncology treatments that serve as a model for the proposed center in Kisumu.
During the visit, they met with the State Minister for Health in charge of general duties Hon.Anifa Kawooya Bangirana who emphasized the need for regional integration.
The Uganda Cancer Institute looks forward to a continued partnership with Kisumu County and remains committed to supporting regional efforts to improve cancer care across East Africa she noted.
Throughout the visit, the Kisumu delegation engaged in discussions with UCI management and staff, exploring the possibility of collaborating on patient referrals from Kisumu to UCI. They were particularly impressed by UCI’s advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and the seamless operation of cancer treatment machines, which are maintained through a rigorous preventive maintenance schedule. This approach ensures the delivery of uninterrupted services, a key factor that the Kisumu team aims to replicate in their own cancer center.
Hon. Vincent Jagongo highlighted the importance of this visit in setting a benchmark for Kisumu’s aspirations. He stated, “We are keen to establish a cancer treatment center in Kisumu that not only matches but potentially surpasses the standards set by UCI. This visit has been instrumental in identifying best practices, particularly in the areas of equipment maintenance and regional Centre operations.”
One of the major points of discussion was the provision of expertise and technical support by UCI to Kisumu. UCI’s willingness to share their experience and guidance was acknowledged as a crucial step in building a strong foundation for the future cancer center in Kisumu. The delegation also explored how regional cancer centers operate within Uganda, offering insights that will be invaluable in the establishment and functioning of Kisumu’s center.
Dr. Don Sunday, in his recap of the visit, emphasized the delegation’s overall satisfaction and optimism. “The knowledge and experience gained during our time at UCI have equipped us with the tools to develop a center that will provide high-quality, sustainable cancer care to the people of Kisumu and beyond,” said Dr. Sunday.
The Kisumu County Committee on Health expressed their gratitude to the Uganda Cancer Institute for their hospitality and the comprehensive knowledge exchange, affirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration as they move forward with their plans.
About the Uganda Cancer Institute: The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is a leading cancer treatment and research center in East Africa, dedicated to providing high-quality care, advancing cancer research, and offering training programs to healthcare professionals across the region. UCI is committed to enhancing cancer treatment accessibility and improving patient outcomes through innovative and collaborative approaches.
About the Committee on Health, Kisumu County: The Committee on Health of Kisumu County is a legislative body responsible for health-related policy formulation, oversight, and representation. The committee is committed to improving healthcare services and infrastructure within Kisumu County, with a particular focus on expanding access to cancer care and treatment.
