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. 2016 May 26;12(1):23.
doi: 10.1186/s12992-016-0160-1.

Achieving optimal cancer outcomes in East Africa through multidisciplinary partnership: a case study of the Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy group

Jessica A Hill  1 , Kahaki Kimani  2 , Abby White  3 , Faith Barasa  4 , Morgan Livingstone  3 , Brenda L Gallie  1   5 , Helen Dimaras  6   7   8   9 ; Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund & The Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy Group
Affiliations

Achieving optimal cancer outcomes in East Africa through multidisciplinary partnership: a case study of the Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy group

Jessica A Hill et al. Global Health. .

Abstract

Background: Strategic, interdisciplinary partnerships are essential to addressing the complex drivers of health inequities that result in survival disparities worldwide. Take for example the aggressive early childhood eye cancer retinoblastoma, where survival reaches 97 % in resource-rich countries, but is as low 30 % in some resource-limited nations, where 92 % of the burden lies. This suggests a need for a multifaceted approach to achieve a tangible and sustainable increase in survival.

Methods: We assembled the history the Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy (KNRbS), using information documented in NGO reports, grant applications, news articles, meeting agendas and summaries. We evaluated the KNRbS using the principles found in the guide for transboundary research partnerships developed by the Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries.

Results: A nationally co-ordinated approach drawing input and expertise from multiple disciplines and sectors presented opportunities to optimise cure of children with retinoblastoma. Annual meetings were key to achieving the over 40 major outputs of the group's efforts, related to Awareness, Medical Care, Family Support and Resource Mobilization. Three features were found to be critical to the KNRbS success: multidisciplinarity, consistency and flexibility.

Conclusion: The KNRbS has achieved a number of key outputs with limited financial investment. As a partnership, the KNRbS meets most of the criteria identified for success. Challenges remain in securing the long-term sustainability of its achievements. Elements of the Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy may be useful to other developing countries struggling with limited survival of retinoblastoma and other cancers or rare diseases.

Keywords: Capacity building; Global health; Kenya; Multidisciplinary; Multisectoral; Partnership; Retinoblastoma.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
KNRbS Membership. The KNRbS group (inner, light gray oval) is made up of a multidisciplinary team of academics (researchers, professors/educators), members of healthcare teams (oncologists, ophthalmologists, nurses, pathologists, lab technicians, child life leaders, ophthalmic clinical officers), government officials (Ministry of Medical Services, Department of Ophthalmic Services staff), staff and board members of Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund, retinoblastoma survivors and families. Communication and collaboration (grey arrows) between these groups allows for tangible contributions towards improving retinoblastoma survival (black arrows). Through the KNRbS annual meetings, special ‘guests’ have attended and participated on an ad-hoc basis (outer, dark gray oval), and have included members of Vision and Cancer NGOs, students participating on short-term research projects, and visiting healthcare workers from East and West Africa
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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