The School of Pharmacy at Kabarak University, in partnership with the International Cancer Institute, today hosted its 15th International Research Conference at the Katiba Law School Auditorium. Held under the theme 鈥淎dvancing Access to Quality Cancer Care and Control,鈥� the two-day conference, running from September 18鈥�19, 2025, brought together students, faculty, and professionals to address one of Kenya's most pressing public health challenges. The event highlighted the University鈥檚 commitment to providing holistic, Christian-based education that is mindful of others and serves both God and humanity.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, underscored the alarming statistics of Kenya鈥檚 rising cancer burden, noting that in 2022 the country recorded 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 deaths. In response to this public health emergency, he proudly announced the launch of the Master of Pharmacy in Oncology Pharmacy, a flagship program and the first of its kind in Kenya鈥攆ocusing on advanced pharmaceutical care for oncology patients. He further revealed that the University has received approval to launch a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing program in January 2026, aimed at reducing the country's reliance on imported pharmaceutical products.
The conference鈥檚 keynote speaker, Prof. Mansoor Saleh, founding chair of the Department of Hematology-Oncology at Aga Khan University, delivered an insightful presentation on targeted cancer therapies. He urged pharmacists to actively engage in clinical trials and oncology research. The conference also featured breakout sessions and student abstracts covering a range of critical topics, including factors influencing adherence to oral anticancer therapy for breast cancer, management of prostate cancer pain, and the integration of cutting-edge technology and digital solutions in cancer care in Kenya.
The event served as a vital platform for students and the wider pharmacy fraternity to gain fresh insights, acquire practical knowledge, and build valuable connections that will help advance cancer care and improve patient outcomes across the nation. By addressing key areas such as patient care, drug development, and healthcare policy, the conference reinforced Kabarak University鈥檚 position as a leader in innovative, practice-ready education, preparing the next generation of pharmacists to make an indelible mark on the profession.
