Kenyan Doctor Miriam Mutebi Becomes First African to Sit on the Board of Global Cancer Body

Dr. Miriam Mutebi, a Kenyan oncologist, has been elected to the board of directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

Dr. Mutebi, a breast cancer surgeon, clinical epidemiologist, and health systems researcher, becomes the first African to sit on the board. 

Mutebi also serves as an assistant professor and breast surgical oncologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital.

Her appointment to the board was announced by UICC Board President Anil D’Cruz following a competitive election by the UICC General Assembly. She will serve for a two-year term effective this month.

Mutebi joins the 17-member UICC board whose task is to drive cancer prevention and control strategy and policy.

While acknowledging her appointment, Mutebi said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us in Sub Saharan Africa and for Kenya specifically to ensure that the global discussion on cancer policy and strategy, patient care and advocacy, is afro-centric as much as possible.”

“Our central aim is to bridge the gap between awareness and action in order to reduce the overall cancer burden for everyone. This is a major feat and we acknowledge will necessitate public and private sector health practitioners working together,” Mutebi added.

She further promised to have Kenyan capital Nairobi nominated as a Future Cancer City.

“This is a major project that will help position Nairobi as a future-ready city with modern infrastructure and human resources to effectively manage cancer cases,” she noted.

UICC represents the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, patient groups, policymakers, researchers, and cancer experts from 170 countries.