Dr. Sylvia Opanga

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Despite this, the annual incidence globally is projected to increase from 570,000 cases currently to 700,000 by 2030, and most of these will be among young under-educated women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (1, 2). The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers the potential to eliminate cervical cancer if routinely available and used based on recent studies (3). This is especially important in LMICs where the cost of cancer care can be prohibitive including biological medicines (4).

Dr. Sylvia Opanga, a senior lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy scooped the top award at Nairobi Innovation Week 2022.

Her health innovation on Diabetic patient diary emerged top in the staff category during the 3-day event held at the University of Nairobi.

According to Dr. Opanga, her innovation was inspired by COVID-19 pandemic.

A study has shown an increase in the use of antibiotics and antimalarials in Africa and Asia due to corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The study was conducted by Dr. Sylvia Opanga, a senior lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi together with other scholars in Africa and Asia.

Dr. Opanga presented the study with its findings during the UoN-CHS COVID-19 Research Forum held on Tuesday 4^th August, 2020.