Kenyan oncologist receives international award for outstanding work in leukemia

As I walk into the Oncology and Cancer Treatment Centre at The Nairobi Hospital. I notice more than one hundred patients waiting to see Doctor Othieno Abinya and his colleagues. I am here to have an interview with him but I’m told to wait. His patients come first.

As I wait, I decide to speak to some of his patients who have already been seen. Earlier in the day, they celebrated him, not just for being an amazing doctor but also for being awarded the 2025 International Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (ICMLF) Prize.

This unique award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving CML treatment in low- and middle-income countries.

According to his patients and colleagues, Professor Abinya’s commitment to expanding CML access, pioneering work in hematology and oncology, and passion for mentoring future medical professionals make him a deserving recipient.

“We celebrate him for his remarkable dedication to us, CML patients. Were it not for Prof. Abinya’s assistance, I probably would not be alive today,” says 39-year-old Jane Rono from Eldoret.

Rono was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in March 2020 after feeling weak more often than not. She had also lost so much weight and was referred to Nairobi for further tests, which confirmed that she had CML.

“At first I was so scared but I later met Professor Abinya, who guided and counseled me before I started my medication.”

Rono adds that she has been receiving free medication, which she would otherwise not have afforded.

Another patient, Silvance Onditi, describes Professor Abinya as “a very humble, helpful, and caring man.” Bita who was diagnosed with CML in 2006 and has been Prof. Abinya’s patient since then, adds, “Professor Abinya gives me a lot of hope. He tells me to treat Leukemia like any other disease and to continue with my normal duties. He has taught me that, indeed, cancer is not a death sentence.”

Since the early 2000s, Professor Abinya has led the Gleevec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) in Nairobi, offering life-saving treatment to CML patients lacking resources.

“Eligible patients are those who are not insured and cannot pay for treatment privately. A patient's background is checked before they are admitted into the program. All we need is a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is verified, the patient is put on treatment," he explains. 

Under his guidance, the program branched out to centers in Eldoret and Mombasa, reducing travel burdens for patients. For over two decades, he has provided pro bono CML care and mentored more than 20 oncologists, ensuring the future of high-quality CML treatment across the region.

"The drugs are very expensive, and therefore unaffordable by many. This is what motivated the initiators of this program. We provide more than ten cancer drugs free of charge," he said, adding; "Some of the drugs cost between Sh200,000 and 600,000 per dose, which is out of the reach of many."

The patients receive Glivec or Imatinib at the hospital, every week for free. The drug is used to treat certain types of leukemia and tumors. Apart from the Nairobi Hospital, it has also been domiciled in some public hospitals including Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, and Nakuru Provincial General Hospital.

Abinya is in a team of six oncologists who attend to up to 170 patients on alternate Saturdays. The program is available in 80 developing countries, and more than 60,000 patients worldwide have benefited since its inception.

The 73-year-old is married with four grown-up children and grandchildren. He speaks with so much passion and complexity. When asked about what motivated him to be a doctor, “During our time, we would go to school. Our school motto was “Only the Best” in primary school and high school, “Strong to Serve”. So my main motivation was to alleviate suffering, especially whenever a member of my family or a neighbor was sick. I am here for the sake of my patients. Not for myself.”

 Prof. Abinya founded the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO), of which he was the first Chair, and is still its Patron. His extensive research has improved understanding of CML and hematologic malignancies within the African context, influencing treatment strategies and policy. He has held senior roles at Nairobi Hospital, University of Nairobi, and Aga Khan University Hospital, shaping oncology training and protocols in Kenya.

His research interests are in malignant hematology and breast cancer, which he has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. He also has a keen interest in molecular oncology.

He has also authored a text book titled Drug Treatment of Haematologic Neoplasms. He has also co-authored cancer booklets, and has written chapters in several books. His latest book titled ‘Shadow in Perpetuity’ by Lambert Publishers was released in December 2019.

Prof Abinya is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and served in its International Affairs Committee from 2010-2012; Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), having been Vice Chair for Eastern Africa and was a long-time member of Council; and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

Apart from the ICMLF prize, which he will be awarded in October 2025, he has received several awards and honours, including the 2018 Harvard Global Health Catalyst: Distinguished African Ambassador Award, and Kenya Breast Health Programme Award in appreciation of his contribution to the success of the Breast Cancer Survivors in 2003.

He was also awarded the Best Oral Presentation by Established Scientist Award at the second Kenya Annual Scientific and Health (KASH)Conference, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi.