SIOP Honours Glenn Mbah with the 2024 Nursing Leadership Award

Glenn Mbah, Program Coordinator for Cameroon at World Child Cancer, has been awarded SIOP’s Nursing Leadership Award for his incredible contribution to paediatric oncology nursing, research and advocacy. 

This prestigious award recognises exceptional leadership in paediatric oncology nursing, highlighting significant contributions to clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy.

Past Awardees

• 2018 Kyoto: Faith Gibson (UK)
• 2019 Lyon: Julia Challinor (USA)
• 2020 Virtual: Rachel Hollis (UK)
• 2021 Virtual: Rehana Punjwani (Pakistan)
• 2022 Barcelona: Pernilla Pergert (Sweden)
• 2023 Ottawa: Linda Abramovitz (USA)

About Glenn Mbah

Dr Glenn Mbah has worked as a children’s cancer nurse in Cameroon since 2010, which is supported by World Child Cancer. He is a nurse trainer and leads the education and research committee of the Cameroon Nurses’ Association. He is an active member of several committees within the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).

Glenn Mbah is the leader of the nursing and multidisciplinary pediatric oncology team at his institution and coordinates the Cameroon Pediatric Oncology Group. He engages with key stakeholders, including the ministry of health, successfully advocating for the inclusion of children in the national cancer control plan. Glenn Mbah holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science and a Master’s degree in Public Health, and he earned his PhD from the University of Stellenbosch in 2020. He also has advanced training in civic leadership and health system strengthening.

As a faculty member at the University of Bamenda, Glenn leads the education and research committee of the Cameroon Nurses’ Association. He represents nursing on the Board of SIOP Africa and is involved with the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) and the SIOP Baseline Standards Task Force.

“His relentless advocacy and partnership efforts have transformed paediatric oncology in Cameroon. His impact on paediatric oncology nursing is profound, pioneering specialized paediatric oncology nurse training previously absent in our country’s educational framework.

What a phenomenal nurse leader, truly reshaping the landscape of paediatric oncology!” – Yvonne Waindim, Program Officer at World Child Cancer

Additionally, he serves as Deputy Chair of the Collaborative African Network for Childhood Cancer Care and Research (CANCaRe Africa) and is a Nurse Educator for the Sub-Saharan Africa Network for Pediatric Oncology Nursing.

Glenn advocates for children with cancer and their families, as well as for nurses at various levels. He promotes clinical excellence and nursing research, leading numerous initiatives and mentoring his team members in Cameroon. As a Clinical Educator, he developed training resources for nurses in the region and facilitated programs to enhance their skills.

His passion for pediatric oncology drives him to encourage colleagues to join SIOP and engage with its initiatives. Glenn actively builds partnerships to benefit children with cancer, making him an inspirational role model in nursing within SIOP and the global community.

“He is an exceptional nurse leader who has made an impact in his own country, across the continent of Africa, and in the global community of childhood cancer care. Glenn’s greatest achievement is his ability to develop and empower the nursing team. 

He is recognized as a leader in the global arena, and his arrival at any SIOP meeting is greeted with huge warmth. I congratulate him on this richly deserved award.” – Rachel Hollis, Chair of the World at Child Cancer Board

SIOP:

“The Nursing Leadership Award is bestowed upon any present or past member of the Society for his/her substantial contributions to paediatric oncology nursing.

Congratulations to Glenn Mbah, Cameroon, our 2024 Winner!”

World Child Cancer:

“A huge congratulations to Dr Glenn Mbah, our programme coordinator for Cameroon, for receiving the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP Nursing Leadership Award!

This honour was well deserved: during Dr. Mbah’s 14 years in nursing, he has advocated for patients and nurses alike, supported and led research, and greatly advanced paediatric oncology nursing in Cameroon. We couldn’t be prouder to have Dr. Mbah as a part of our team.”