Bone Marrow Inequality: The Importance of Exchanges in Cancer Education.

Abstract

This article described an exchange program in Kenya, organized by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations at the University of Nairobi. The author, motivated by parallels between Kenya and Brazil, engaged with hematologic, pain management, and palliative care departments at Kenyatta National Hospital. Despite the global advancements in bone marrow transplant (BMT) procedures, Kenya has only recently begun to offer this treatment, with the first transplant occurring in 2022 at a private facility. The high cost of BMT, ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, limits access for most Kenyans, prompting wealthier patients to seek treatment abroad. The article highlights alarming cancer mortality rates in Kenya, exacerbated by disparities in healthcare access compared to Brazil's universal healthcare system. With a significant proportion of pediatric cancers being hematologic, the need for accessible BMT is urgent. The exchange program provided the author with insights into global oncologic health disparities and emphasized the necessity of improving medical training, increasing hospital resources, and securing support to enhance BMT access in Kenya and West Africa.