The National Cancer Institute of Kenya has appointed Dr Elias Melly as the new chief executive officer effective May 1.
Dr Melly is a seasoned medical professional with experience in clinical cancer care, training, cancer research, health policy, and public health administration, the institute said in a statement on Friday.
“He brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership at local, regional, and global levels. He has a proven track record of transforming cancer care across the entire continuum of care and in policy development and implementation,” the institute announced.
Among other strengths, he is known for building partnerships and collaborations towards cancer care, putting the institute on a firmer perch in terms of resource mobilisation.
Dr Melly holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from Moi University, Master of Medicine in Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine from Alexandria University, Master of Public Health from Moi University and Master of Business Administration from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
He has served as senior medical specialist and head of the haemato-oncology directorate at the Eldoret-based Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and adjunct faculty at Moi University School of Medicine and Cancer Research with AMPATH Oncology Institute.
Globally, he has experience in areas such as training and collaboration with multiple NCI-designated cancer centres in the US, including Indiana University, Stanford University, University of California San Diego and University of Minnesota.
Dr Melly is cancer country counterpart lead for International Atomic Energy Agency, member of Union for International Cancer Control, Global Oncology Working Group under Association of American Cancer Institute and Africa Oncology Cancer Network (AOCN).
He is a registered medical practitioner with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), registered clinical oncologist, a member of the Kenya Medical Association, Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology, Clinical Radiation Oncology Society of Kenya, African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology and American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.
