In June, the Kenya Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Symposium (KNMIS), hosted by Nairobi West Hospital and co-organized by Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd. and Sichuan Longevous Beamtech Co.,Ltd, was successfully held at Nairobi West Hospital, Kenya.
Centered on the theme "Molecular Frontiers: Convergence of Imaging, Therapy, and AI," the symposium brought together government agencies, experts, and scholars from Kenya and East African nations specializing in oncology, nuclear medicine, radiology, and medical imaging. Participants explored cutting-edge technologies in precision medicine. Distinguished attendees included prof. Huo Li, director of the National Nuclear Medicine Quality Control Center and director of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, prof. Huang Gang, president of the Asia-Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOFNMB) and director of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, prof. Duan Xiaoyi, head of PET-CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Mr. Ma Ruili, General Manager of Sichuan Longevous Beamtech Co.,Ltd, and Dr. Du Yang, Technical Director of Sichuan Longevous Beamtech Co.,Ltd.
During the event, Nairobi West Hospital announced the uMI 780 PET-CT system and Jiuyuan-11MTS cyclotron officially went into operation , which performed over 20 clinical examinations on the first day. This milestone establishes Kenya’s capability for local production of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, addressing PET-CT diagnostic needs for patients across the region.
Prof. Huo Li presented "Innovative Tools for Innovative Clinical Applications—uMI Panorama Clinical Translational Research at Peking Union Medical College Hospital," sharing advancements in intelligent imaging and novel radiopharmaceuticals. Through clinical case studies, she analyzed diverse radionuclides, tracers, and technologies for early cancer screening and treatment, offering actionable recommendations for Kenya’s nuclear medicine development.
In his presentation, Professor Huang Gang shared recent developments in China's nuclear medicine sector and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOFNMB). Through a multidimensional analysis of statistical indicators—including practicing institutions, workforce distribution, and equipment types/quantities—he examined both the advantages and challenges in contemporary nuclear medicine advancement. Professor Huang emphasized the critical importance of strengthened international collaboration, urging professionals to establish deeper global platforms that collectively elevate nuclear medicine's worldwide influence.
Dr. Du Yang emphasized the critical role of cyclotron technology in local isotope production: "Domestic radiopharmaceutical manufacturing is vital to reduce diagnostic delays caused by reliance on imported isotopes. Cyclotrons can transform regional access to timely cancer imaging and therapy—aligning perfectly with government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure through public-private partnerships."*
Attendees toured Nairobi West Hospital’s nuclear medicine facilities, where Dr. Bhachu (Head of Nuclear Medicine) detailed operations spanning cyclotron management, radiopharmaceutical preparation, PET-CT workflows, and patient care. Prof. Huo Li reciprocated by sharing Peking Union Medical College Hospital’s operational models and proposing strategies to leverage cyclotron platforms for multi-tracer research (e.g., F-18, N-13, Ga-68).
This symposium has forged significant pathways for Sino-Kenyan innovation in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, accelerating the advancement of precision healthcare across Kenya and East Africa. As molecular imaging, targeted therapy, and AI converge, a new era of accurate, efficient, and accessible cancer diagnosis and treatment is dawning on the African continent.