By Sherine Atieno , photos by Ogega Ondari.                                                                                                                                          A consortium of researchers from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Maseno University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), in collaboration with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), has launched a groundbreaking study into the use of herbal remedies for oncology patients.

Funded by the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, this research aims to combine traditional herbal medicine with modern drug therapies to improve cancer care. The team, led by the respective university research directors, recently met with Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, JOOTRH CEO, to outline their objectives.

Dr. Lesiyampe emphasized the study’s significance in identifying factors influencing cancer care and exploring alternative treatment options. He expressed confidence that this research will position JOOTRH as a leader in herbal medicine research within Kisumu.

This interdisciplinary study integrates scientific and social science approaches to address contemporary cancer care challenges. By combining herbal remedies with existing treatments, the research aims to develop alternative pain management strategies and potentially discover novel cancer drugs.

The study will investigate the medicinal value of plants while emphasizing the need for biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices within the education system. Over the next decade, the research team plans to expand, incorporating botanists and conducting clinical trials to refine potential treatments.

Dr. Mitchel Okumu, JOOTRH’s Director of Research and Training, and Dr. Fiona Adagi, an Oncologist, welcomed the researchers. Dr. Okumu highlighted the importance of engaging various stakeholders, including clergy and influential community members, to disseminate the study’s progress and findings.

Dr. Lesiyampe encouraged the team to explore the medicinal value of Cannabis sativa to further enrich the scope of their alternative medicine research. He emphasized that by supporting such innovative studies, JOOTRH can enhance patient care and influence policy changes within the healthcare sector.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing cancer care through the integration of traditional and modern medicine. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of alternative treatments and pain management solutions, offering new hope for oncology patients and transforming cancer care in Kenya.