Blog

Feb 21, 2025, 09:58

Miriam Mutebi: February – a whirlwind of learning, collaboration, and action

Miriam Mutebi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, posted on LinkedIn:

“February has been a whirlwind of learning, collaboration, and action – each experience reinforcing the importance of research and advocacy in shaping cancer care across Africa.

Earlier in the month, I had the privilege of joining fellow academic researchers in Karachi for the closing week of the Aga Khan University’s (Research Initiative for Scholars Excellence – RISE Programme.

This initiative has been an incredible journey – equipping us with the mentorship tools to refine our research proposals, navigate international grant writing and management, and strengthen our leadership in research.

From engaging in discussions with global AKU leadership to presenting mock grant proposals (and receiving some tough but necessary feedback!), every moment was a step toward building a stronger research ecosystem.

Of course, travel always comes with its surprises – leaving the freezing Geneva UICC meeting for humid Karachi and then back home to warm Nairobi gifted me with a relentless flu. But as I sit here recovering, I’d say it was worth it!

Now, the real work begins: expanding funding streams and making a meaningful impact in breast cancer and health systems research and beyond.

Over the weekend, I shifted gears to advocacy at an AORTIC- Africa and Global Focus on Cancer workshop, redefining what advocacy looks like for Africa.

At AORTIC, we believe that everyone is an advocate – we just need the right tools to amplify our voices for change collectively.

The weekend highlight? The launch of the Hematology and Oncology Society of Uganda (HOSU). A major step in strengthening cancer care in the East Africa region.

No doubt, research, and advocacy go hand in hand. By equipping more people with the tools to advocate, we create a ripple effect – one that transforms systems, strengthens communities, and saves lives.

Who’s ready to raise their voice?”