A Kenyan, Benda Kithaka has won this year’s Rachel Pearline Award for her role in promoting cancer prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries through her groundbreaking work at KILELE Health.
Ms Kithaka—who is the Founder and Executive director of KILELE Health– a Kenyan non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting cancer prevention and control through innovative advocacy strategies.
With over 25 years of experience in women’s health advocacy, Ms. Kithaka is a respected leader in the field, known for her passion, dedication, and commitment to empowering cancer survivors and caregivers.
Announcing the award, Dr. Satish Gopal, Director for the Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute – US, applauded the awardee for her dedication to cervical cancer elimination.
“As part of the annual symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), each year since 2012, we recognise individuals for exceptional contributions to science and humanitarianism through their work to address cancer in low –resource settings with the Rachel Pearline Award,”.
Ms. Kithaka’s tireless efforts in promoting cancer prevention and control have earned her this esteemed recognition.
The award is named in honour of the late US-based Dr. Rachel Pearline, which recognises individuals who exemplify excellence in cancer research, practice, and training in LMIC settings.
Ms. Kithaka joins an esteemed cohort of previous winners who have made significant strides in advancing cancer care and research worldwide.
Previously, the award has been bestowed to world renowned practitioners in oncology. This is the first time it is awarded to someone working at grassroots community level.
As the driving force behind KILELE Health, Benda has pioneered innovative approaches, including leveraging the use of stories of resilience and lived experience by cancer patients and survivors, to advocate for cancer awareness and empowerment.
At the same time, through initiatives like the KILELE challenge where cancer survivors climb Mt. Kenya to show there is life beyond cancer, she 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 recognised 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, May 9, from 10:50am to 12:00pm 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.
