On September 12, 2025, four medical professionals—including doctors, nurses, and clinical engineers—from Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, paid a courtesy visit to President Nagayasu Takeshi of Nagasaki University. This visit was part of a lung cancer diagnostic technology international deployment project, selected under the Japan Institute for Health Security’s “Medical Technology International Deployment Promotion Program.” It was held in advance of a training program scheduled to take place at Nagasaki University Hospital from September 16 to 26.

Joining the courtesy call were Professor Matsumoto Keitaro (Nagasaki University Hospital), Associate Professor Saito Nobuo (Institute of Tropical Medicine), and Mr. Motoyama Takashi, Branch Manager of Olympus Corporation’s Fukuoka Branch, who is lending their support to the project. The participants exchanged views on future collaboration frameworks.

President Nagayasu remarked, “During my visit to Kenya last year, I toured Kenyatta National Hospital and considered how we might contribute to improving bronchoscopy diagnostics in Kenya. We are planning to ship bronchoscopy examination equipment no longer used at Nagasaki University Hospital to Kenya, so it can be utilized for diagnostic training at Kenyatta National Hospital.”

Nagasaki University is working to introduce endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) apparatuses, a key technology for lung cancer diagnoses, and to train specialized personnel, using Kenyatta National Hospital as a base. The goal is to strengthen Kenya’s systems for bronchoscopy diagnostics. Until now, Kenya has faced significant challenges due to insufficient technology and systems for lung cancer diagnoses, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Their training in Japan will be conducted not only at Nagasaki University Hospital but also at Kameda General Hospital and the Olympus Corporation. Participants will learn bronchoscopy techniques, receive basic education in endoscopic nursing, and learn about endoscope maintenance techniques.

This initiative aims to establish a self-sustaining training system at Kenyatta National Hospital, with the expectation that this medical technology will spread throughout Kenya and the broader East African region.

Group photo with Dr. Jackson Atina and President Nagayasu holding bronchoscopes