By KPC Reporter
Kisii University on Tuesday convened a high-level conference focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The conference united leading researchers, health professionals, and global partners to confront the rising burden of these often-overlooked conditions, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
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Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Nathan Ogoti, Prof Mzee Awour who is the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, emphasized the urgency of addressing NCDs, which remain underfunded and under-prioritized.
“Today, we are hosting a conference on non-communicable diseases in partnership with medical scientists and the University of Manchester. The goal is to raise awareness of these diseases, which unfortunately don’t receive the attention and funding they deserve,” said Prof. Awour.
He noted the persistence of NCDs in regions impacted by disruption and displacement, urging a unified response from academia, the medical field, and researchers.
Kisii University has identified health sciences and research as our academic niche. Given the remoteness of this region, we are especially vulnerable to non-communicable diseases,” he added.
Prof. Awour cited sickle cell disease, cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes as some of the most prevalent NCDs in the area.
He lauded the university’s longstanding collaboration with the University of Manchester in advancing medical education and postgraduate training.
“he University of Manchester has been our partner for years. We’re working together on our medicine program, including a Master of Science in Medicine,” he said.
Representing Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), John Riaga highlighted the critical role of such partnerships in deepening health understanding within conflict-affected and emergency zones.
“This partnership matters because we are working with an academic institution focused on research. We’re seeing a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in these regions,” Riaga noted.
Dr. Okinyi David, Kisii County’s Head of Non-Communicable Diseases and Chair of the National NCD Committee, welcomed the conference as part of a broader global push to bring NCDs into the health spotlight.
“These include cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, neurological disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. It’s encouraging to see them gaining space in national and global health dialogues,” he said.
As part of the conference’s outreach, Jimmy Ongori of the School of Medical Sciences announced a medical camp slated for June 27 at Nyamira Primary School Grounds in Nyamira County.
“The camp will focus on NCD screening and expanding access to healthcare services. We want the community to feel Kisii University’s presence in their lives,” Ongori said.
Kisii Eye Hospital will be a key partner, providing screening, treatment, and surgical care.
