Improving Cancer Diagnosis

In Uganda, in 2019, there were approximately 10-15 Pathologists for a country of 45 million people. In Western Kenya there are 4 Pathologists for 13 million people. Compare this to approximately 3.94 pathologists per 100,000 people in the United States and the inequity is clear.

Accurate and rapid diagnosis are key to the medical protocol for a cure. For some cancers, tumors can double in a few days. By the time the diagnosis is received, a child may be beyond cure.

BLFA’s Pathology Improvement Project (PIP)

Board member Dr. Steven Kussick, a renowned hematapathologist, coordinated the donation of state-of-the-art, highly sophisticated pathology equipment to labs in Kenya ad Uganda. These instruments greatly enhance a pathology laboratory’s ability to render rapid and accurate diagnosis of leukemias and lymphomas.

In Kampala, Uganda, the impact has been astounding, reducing the time required for definitive diagnosis from WEEKS to HOURS, As another means of enabling rapid diagnosis, Dr. Kussick reviews slides digitally from his Seattle office. These innovations truly have the potential to help save the lives of many sick children.

For more detailed information on this life-changing program, contact Dr. Steve Kussick

Email Dr. Kussick

Dr. Kussick conducting remote training
for lab staff