In recent years, Kenya has seen a concerning increase in non-communicable diseases as a leading cause of death.
Cancer has now become the third-highest cause of death in the country, with esophageal, colorectal, and gastric cancers being the primary causes of gastrointestinal-related morbidity and mortality cases.
Olympus Launches the “Kenya Endoscopy Human Resource Development Support Project”
To address this pressing issue and promote better endoscopic care in Kenya, Olympus Corporation, a global MedTech company committed to improving people’s lives, has announced the launch of the “Kenya Endoscopy Human Resource Development Support Project for the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases.”
Shortage of Endoscopists in Kenya
The project was initiated in response to the shortage of skilled endoscopists in the country. To address this challenge, Olympus is implementing this program funded by the “Projects for Global Growth of Medical Technologies, in 2023,” conducted by the National Center for Global Health and Medicine under the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in Japan.
Duration and Partner Institutions
The project will be carried out from July 2023 to January 2024 at the Kenyatta National Hospital, a prominent medical education institution in Kenya, as well as other major medical establishments, including seven institutions that received the latest endoscopic equipment from the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the previous year.
Training by Japanese Physicians
To bolster endoscopic expertise in Kenya, Japanese physicians affiliated with the partner institutions will take on the role of lecturers.
They will directly train Kenyan doctors in endoscopy techniques and impart knowledge on how to groom the next generation of skilled endoscopists.
Addressing the Increasing Cancer Cases
Elly O. Ogutu, M.D. from Nairobi Gastroenterology Training Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, highlighted the rise in cancer cases in Kenya. The project’s success is seen as pivotal in expanding to cover more areas in gastroenterology that require endoscopy services.
Promoting Knowledge Exchange Between Japan and Kenya
Dr. Tomohiko Moriyama, Director of Telemedicine Development Center of Asia, International Medical Department, Kyushu University, emphasized the importance of knowledge and experience sharing between Japan and Kenya in the field of digestive system diseases.
The collaboration is expected to enhance the medical care level in both countries and strengthen bilateral relations.
Challenges in Cancer Screening and Early Detection
In 2019, the Kenyan Ministry of Health set a basic policy against cancer and is actively working to improve early detection through targeted screening for colorectal cancer among citizens aged 45 and older.
However, the demand for endoscopic screenings, critical for early cancer detection and treatment, is expected to increase, leading to a scarcity of physicians with the advanced knowledge and skills required for these examinations. Partnering with Olympus aims to overcome these challenges.
Project Scope and Expected Outcomes
The project encompasses essential educational activities on gastrointestinal endoscopy to improve medical care for gastrointestinal diseases in Kenya.
Cooperation with the International Medical Department of Kyushu University Hospital in Japan, experienced in on-site training, Japan-based training, and online training for healthcare professionals in emerging countries, will be crucial.
Training and Hands-on Guidance
Japanese lecturers will provide training in standard endoscopic screening and treatment of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts through classroom lectures, clinical guidance, and practical hands-on training using models.
The training will combine on-site, Japan-based, and online sessions, facilitated by Olympus, which will arrange the necessary equipment for the training.
The “Kenya Endoscopy Human Resource Development Support Project” aspires to be a significant step towards combating the rising burden of gastrointestinal diseases in Kenya and strengthening healthcare capabilities in the country.
Through this collaboration, Olympus and its partners aim to make a lasting impact on the medical landscape of Kenya and further fortify the bond between Japan and Kenya.
