David Makumi-Kinyanjui

David Makumi-Kinyanjui RN, MPC(c) is currently studying for a Master of Palliative Care by distance learning. He is the 2011 recipient of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) International Award for Contributions to Cancer Care.

Below is a press release explaining why he won the international award:

Mr. Makumi is the manager of the cancer program at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. This award recognizes his contribution in drawing the attention of the country to the cancer crisis and his leadership in empowering nurses and ordinary Kenyans with knowledge and skills to respond to the growing cancer problem. He is the first recipient of this award from the African continent. He will be honoured for the award at ONS's 36th Annual Congress, scheduled for April 28-May 1 in Boston, MA, USA.

Mr. Makumi is a well-respected cancer activist at the national level and has been involved in multiple pursuits which have had a significant and lasting influence in cancer care in Kenya and the region. This includes working with patients and their families to develop survivor support groups and advocating for formal training of nurses involved in cancer care. Mr. Makumi is currently leading a civil society movement lobbying for the enactment, by the Kenyan Parliament, of a National Cancer Control bill into law. The community outreach breast & cervical cancer education and screening program, which Mr. Makumi has led over the last 5 years has seen thousands of Kenyan women benefit from free or subsidized breast and cervical cancer screening.

"I trust this award will help push cancer to the top of the healthcare agenda in Kenya and in the rest of Africa," said Mr. Makumi.

He is the vice chair of the Kenya Cancer Association. and co-chair of the Palliative Care Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, and a member of ONS.

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional organisation of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational, legislative, and public awareness efforts to improve the care of people with cancer. ONS provides nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer care resources, research opportunities, and networks for peer support. Learn more at www.ons.org.