Kenya shifts focus on cancer, infertility research to cut prevalence

Kenya has shifted its focus on cancer and infertility research to cut soaring prevalence in the country. 

The Ministry of Health said the research seeks to identify the causes, geographic distribution and drivers of infertility in Kenya. 

"Coordination of research in reproduction health will ensure that the priorities will be at the top of research agenda to give answers to the challenges of immediate concern," head of Family Health Department in the Health Ministry, Dr. Isaac Bashir said.

The study will also determine the link between long term contraception use and infertility as well as Kenyans' perception and stigma associated with infertility.

The strategy of the study is contained in the National Reproductive Health Priority Research and Learning agenda 2022 – 2027 which was launched on Tuesday. 

The document outlines key research gaps that need prioritised attention to guide policy and interventions.

Also key on the priority list is research on alternative treatment options for cancer including the use of traditional medicine.

The study will cover health seeking behaviours of patients for cancer screening services, risk factors of the disease, community perceptions, geographic distribution, socio-economic impact and preventive measures.

"Stewardship and close monitoring are needed to ensure synergy, efficiency and accountability for the benefit of all Kenyans including the Kenyan researcher," Bashir said.

According to Bashir, the quality of care has been a concern by the ministry as it has been linked to poor maternal health outcomes in the country.

Other key priority thematic areas identified in the research plan include the adolescence and young people’s reproductive health.

The research will seek to understand long term effects of contraceptive use on adolescent, support interventions for pregnant and parenting adolescents among others.

Cultural practices such as medicalised FGM, maternal and newborn health, family planning, mental health and sexual and reproductive needs of persons with disability are also key focus areas.

Head of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the ministry, Stephen Kaliti, said the decision for the research was arrived at on realisation that there was lack of a coordinated research for evidence-based interventions.

"This is very critical because there is a lot that is happening within the space of health in Kenya, specifically in reproductive health. Decisions made have to be guided by priority research gaps or needs that will be able to address what the country needs," Kaliti said.

This comes even as Kenya is undertaking a research in Kakamega county in an effort to come up with new interventions to address the maternal and newborn mortality.