By Henry Owino
Nairobi, Kenya: Benda Kithaka, a renowned Kenyan Health Advocate is the winner Prestigious 2024 Rachel Pearline Award. Announcement for the coveted prize was made in the last week of March 2024 by the United States of America (USA) National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health (CGH).
Ms Kithaka scooped the prestigious accolade recognition for being exceptionally dedicated to cancer prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa through her groundbreaking work at KILELE Health.
Ms Kithaka is the Founder and Executive Director of KILELE Health Association (KHA) a Kenyan non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cancer prevention and control through innovative advocacy strategies. She has over 25 years of experience in women’s health advocacy, earning her respectful leadership in the field.
The Director is known for her passion, dedication, and commitment to empowering cancer survivors and caregivers. These tireless devotions advocating for the prevention and treatment of cancer have finally earned her global recognition as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Rachel Pearline Award.
Announcing the award, Dr Satish Gopal, Director of the Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute – US, applauded Ms Kitheka for her dedication to cervical cancer elimination. Dr. Gopal added that Ms. Kithaka’s tireless efforts in promoting cancer prevention and control have earned her this esteemed recognition.
The Rachel Pearline Award honors the legacy of Dr Rachel Pearline, a distinguished oncologist known for her dedication to global cancer control. Each year, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in cancer research, practice, and training in LMIC settings.
“As part of the Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), each year since 2012, we recognize individuals for exceptional contributions to science and humanitarianism through their work to address cancer in low-resource settings with the Rachel Pearline Award,” Dr Gopal explained.
The Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research is a premier event that brings together leading experts, researchers, and advocates from around the world to address the challenges of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the symposium aims to advance collaborative efforts in the fight against cancer worldwide.
“Dr. Pearline was deeply committed to global cancer control and viewed the practice of medicine as a privilege, and with sincere admiration, I am writing to inform you that following an open international call for nominations, the ASGCR 2024 Steering Committee has selected Ms Benda Kithaka to receive the 2024 Rachel Pearline Award”.
The Rachel Pearline Award, named in honor of the late Dr. Rachel Pearline, recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in cancer research, practice, and training in LMIC settings. Ms Kithaka joins the list of esteemed cohorts of previous winners who have made significant strides in advancing cancer care and research worldwide.
Previously, the award has been given to world-renowned practitioners in oncology. This is the first time it has been awarded to someone working at the grassroots community level.
“Congratulations Ms Benda Kithaka, for receiving the 2024 Rachel Pearline Award. The world awaits your Keynote speech at the 12th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR)”. Dr. Elias Melly, NCI Kenya, praises.
As the driving force behind KILELE Health, Benda has pioneered innovative approaches, including leveraging the use of stories of resilience and lived experiences by cancer patients and survivors, to advocate for cancer awareness and empowerment.
Through initiatives like the KILELE Challenge where cancer survivors climb Mount Kenya to show there is life beyond cancer, Ms Kitheka has brought attention to the challenges faced by cancer survivors and caregivers, amplifying their voices on a global scale.
Beyond her role at KILELE Health, Ms Kithaka is also a globally recognized and respected advocacy expert, technical advisor, trainer, facilitator, and public speaker with over 25 years of experience in communications, health policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Her contributions extend to various global, regional, and local technical working groups, where she provides invaluable insights and guidance in cancer control.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Ms Kithaka will deliver a keynote address during the 2024 Rachel Pearline Award Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 9 May 2024 from 10:50 am to 12:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time.
This event, part of the Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research, promises to be an inspiring celebration of Ms Kithaka’s remarkable contributions to the field.
“The life of Rachel resonated with me and so to have received the award in honor of her was a real privilege. While the challenges in low- and middle-income countries predominantly stem from a lack of resources, access to healthcare is often complicated by socio-cultural beliefs, myths, stigma, and misinformation. I am confident that working together through meaningful partnerships, we shall make greater strides towards a future free of cervical cancer”
Members of the media as well as the public are invited to attend the virtual 2024 Rachel Pearline Award Ceremony to listen and watch Ms Kithaka’s keynote address and learn more about her inspiring journey in the fight against cancer.
