Kenya is dealing with an increasing load of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes and neurological conditions, putting enormous strain on our healthcare system.

The growing prevalence of chronic illnesses in children, such as brain tumors, epilepsy and congenital heart disease, compounds the situation. Although timely and correct diagnosis is crucial for chronic diseases, many healthcare institutions here lack the latest diagnostic technologies for effective treatment.

Childhood cancers such brain tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma are becoming common. Brain tumors are among the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. While children in high-income nations have an 80 per cent survival rate, just 20 per cent of Kenyan children survive due to deficiencies in diagnostic facilities and treatment.

Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has ability to change the story. MRI scanners have potential to change the way cancerous tumors are diagnosed and treated.

They are critical for early detection because they provide comprehensive images that assist oncologists in determining the tumor’s location, size and type, allowing for better targeted therapy.

Furthermore, these scanners assist in monitoring how tumors respond to therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, allowing for real-time modifications to improve outcomes. Neurological conditions like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and hydrocephalus are also prevalent among Kenyan children, and advanced MRI technology is critical.

In epilepsy, for example, MRI can detect abnormal brain tissue causing seizures, which is essential for determining the best course of treatment. For cerebral palsy and developmental delays, early MRI scans can identify brain abnormalities, allowing interventions that significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

Congenital heart defects (CHD) pose another major health challenge, affecting between 19 and 75 per 1,000 live births, according to estimates.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as many children with CHD require surgical or interventional therapy.

Cardiac MRI, a non-invasive tool, evaluates heart function, detects structural abnormalities, and assesses blood flow in children with heart conditions. This imaging is critical for planning surgical interventions and managing long-term care.

Getrude’s Children’s Hospital recently launched a state-of-the-art MRI centre that is child-friendly at its Muthaiga facility in Nairobi. The new centre, equipped with MR 5300, the only one in East Africa, will improve diagnostic accuracy for various health conditions, especially those requiring detailed tissue imaging for effective diagnosis and management.

Beyond early detection, advanced MRI scanners are vital for treatment planning and ongoing monitoring. For paediatric patients, MRI allows healthcare providers to track disease progression without exposing children to harmful radiation.

For example, in children with sickle cell disease—a genetic blood disorder common in Kenya—MRI can detect early signs of organ damage, such as strokes or kidney disease, allowing timely interventions to prevent severe complications.

Further, availability of MRI technology in local hospitals can reduce need for patients to seek treatment abroad, which is costly and inaccessible for many.

-Writer is head of clinical services at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.