CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 1

Jessie Nyokabi Githanga, MBChB, MMed (Path)(UON), FCPath ECSA

Associate Professor,

Department of Human Pathology,

School of Medicine,

College of Health Sciences,

University of Nairobi, Kenya

Email: Jessie.githanga@uonbi.ac.ke

Adjunct Assistant Professor,

Department of Medicine,

University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA

Personal Contact Information:

Address: P. O. Box 19601-00202, Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone: +254 721245721;

Email: jgithanga3@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1990 - 1991: One-year post-graduate fellowship in cytogenetics and haematology at the Health

Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. This was under a Canadian

International Development Agency (CIDA) program.

Nov 1989: Master of Medicine in Pathology (MMed. Path), UON, Kenya.

1986-1989: Registrar in Human Pathology, University of Nairobi (UON) at the Kenyatta National

Hospital (KNH) Campus.

1984: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) (UON)

1978 – 1984 Undergraduate medical student MBChB (UON)

1977: East African Advanced Certificate of Education, (EAACE); Limuru Girls School

1975: East African Certificate of Education, (EACE); Limuru Girls School, Kenya

1971: Certificate of Primary Education, (CPE); Kilimani Primary School, Kenya

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 2

Certifications

1984: Certified as general medical practitioner by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists

Board (KMPDB).

1994: Certified as a specialist - General Pathologist - by the KMPDB.

Others: Completed Certificate of Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) (April 2019)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Academic Appointments

Dec 2013 Appointed Associate Professor, Department of Human Pathology, Unit of Haematology

and Blood Transfusion

July 2013 Appointed as an Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of

Maryland, Baltimore (Adjunct Position).

2006 to 2011: Chair of Department of Human Pathology (comprising of the Thematic Units of Anatomic

Pathology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Clinical Chemistry and Immunology).

Appointed for two 3-year terms.

2004 – 2005: Chair of Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion

2000 - 2013: Senior lecturer, Department of Human Pathology and an honorary consultant at KNH.

1992 - 1993: Research Registrar in the Haematology Department, Royal Hospital for Sick Children in

Glasgow, Scotland attached to the Duncan Guthrie Institute of Medical Genetics.

1990 - 1999: Lecturer in the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Offered services as

an honorary senior registrar at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Other Employment/significant appointments

2015 – date Board Member of HuQAS (Human Quality Assessment Service, Kenya). HuQAS is an Non-

Governmental Organisation that provides external quality assurance and proficiency

testing programs for laboratories in Kenya.

1994 - date Part-time consultant at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. Currently undertaking research

at the hospital, including participating in multinational clinical trials. Member of the

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Transfusion Committee

2011 – 2014: Laboratory lead as well as Master Trainer in the Partnership for Advanced Clinical

Education (PACE) program a PEPFAR/CDC- funded program of the University of Maryland,

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 3

Baltimore and University of Nairobi, working in close collaboration with National

AIDS/STD Control Program (NASCOP).

2009 – 2011: Master Trainer in Haematology in the PACE programme.

1989 - 1990: Pathologist at KNH offering diagnostic services in the Department of Human Pathology.

1986 - 1989: Worked as a Senior House Officer in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)

1985 - 1986: Medical officer at Machakos Provincial Hospital, in Eastern Kenya.

1984 – 1985 Internship at Kakamega General Provincial Hospital Kenya

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS

1. Founder Member and Committee member of College of Pathologists for East Central and Southern

Africa (COPECSA).

2. Founder Board Member of the Kenya Childhood Cancer Trust.

3. Member and past Chairperson and of the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO).

4. Member of the African Society of Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) and a member of the Kenya Chapter of

the Regional Society for Blood Transfusion – Kenya (RSBT-K).

5. Member and a past Vice-Chairperson and of the Kenya Association Clinical Pathologists.

6. Member and a past Chair of Trustee of the Kenya Medical Women's Association.

7. Member of Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA).

HONORS AND AWARDS

2016: Award from Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in recognition for outstanding service and professionalism

2015: Continental Lifetime Achiever Award 2015-2016 Most Influential Women in Business

and Government Awards: Academic Sector for meaningful contribution made in Government Healthcare Sector from by CEO Communications.

2015: Regional Winner (East Africa) and Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 CEO’s Most

Influential Women (MIW) in Business and Government Awards for meaningful

contribution made in Government – Education Sector.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 4

2014: Country (Kenya) and Regional award (East Africa) winner for the 2014 CEO’s Most

Influential Women (MIW) in Business and Government Awards for meaningful

contribution made in Government – Education Sector.

2014: Recognized at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for special contribution to the hospital, for

attracting the first multinational clinical trial to the Hospital.

2013: Selected as a finalist for the 2013 CEO’s Most Influential Women in Business and

Government Awards for meaningful contribution made in Government Healthcare

Sector.

1990: Awarded a prize for the best post graduate dissertation from Roche Pharmaceuticals.

1990 – 1991: Awarded a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) supported fellowship to

pursue further postgraduate training in Canada for 1 year.

1991: Won the Penner prize for presentation of a paper on acute leukaemia associated with a

t(4; 11) at the XVI World Congress of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology in Vancouver,

Canada.

1997: Awarded a British Council (Kenya) grant worth British Pounds 3,000 for a collaborative

research with the University of Glasgow, Scotland on pharmacogenetics in British and

African Populations.

2000: Won an award for the best oral presentation for a paper on Oncogenesis at a workshop

on Paediatric Oncology at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

CLINICAL ACTIVITIES

Site of practice:

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), a 2,000 bed hospital and the largest teaching and referral hospital

in the East African region. Practicing as a consultant in haematology and blood transfusion.

Duties: Attending to patients in the Haematology and Oncology clinic, provision of specialist

consultation (haematology, paediatric oncology) for in-patients admitted at KNH in the Paediatric

Oncology Ward, general paediatric wards and adult medical wards. Investigating and reporting on

routine and specialized haematological diagnostic work including but not limited to, peripheral blood

film, coagulation, haemolytic anaemia, haemoglobinopathy, bone marrow aspiration and trephine

biopsy.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES & RELATED ACTIVITIES

Teaching general haematology, blood transfusion medicine and haemato-oncology to undergraduate

and post graduate students in medicine, surgical disciplines, pathology, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing,

medical laboratory science. I participate in the continuous professional development of nurses, clinical

officers and laboratory technologists.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 5

I am an internal examiner for dissertations and projects carried out in the department.

Academic curricula, training materials development

- Training workbooks in Total Laboratory Quality Management training for laboratory

personnel (2011)

- Training manual in HIV laboratory management for final year BSc medical laboratory

students (2011)

- Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Core curriculum (2011)

- NASCOP Harmonized curriculum for HIV/AIDS - Specialist Laboratory Module (2012)

- Biosafety and Biosecurity curriculum for Ministry of Health (2012)

- Core curriculum for undergraduate medical degree (MBChB) for the Kenya Medical

Practitioners and Dentists Board (2012)

- Review of Postgraduate pathology curriculum at the University of Nairobi (2013)

- Curriculum for MSc Haematology and Blood Transfusion (2013)

- Past member of the National Health Inspection Committee setting minimum standards for

public laboratories.

Development of strategic plans

- Member of the teams developing strategic plans for:

o Kenya Childhood Cancer Trust (2017)

o School of Medicine (2013)

o African Society for Blood Transfusion Kenya Chapter (AfSBT-K) (2011)

o College of Pathologists for East Central and Southern Africa (COPECSA) (2011)

o Independent Medico-legal Unit (IMLU) (2011)

o School of Medicine (2010)

o Department of Human Pathology (2010)

o Kenya Medical Women’s Association (KMWA) (2010)

CONTRIBUTIONS AT NATIONAL LEVEL

- Member of the National Team involved in the Country-wide dissemination of National

Guidelines

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 6

- Member of Technical Working Groups working on documents related to the National

Cancer Control Strategy (Screening guidelines, Treatment Guidelines, and others)

- Member of a team who developed the National Cancer Control Strategy for the Ministry of

Health 2017-2022.

- Member of the Technical Working Group for development of sickle cell disease

comprehensive care guidelines with the Ministry of Health (2017 – 2018).

- Member of a team working to improve the care of patients with sickle cell disease at

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

- Member of a team reviewing clinical protocols for the KEPH costing at the Health Economics

Unit offices 25th November 2013.

- Member of an Advisory Committee constituted to develop an Advanced HIV Clinical Course.

This is work done under the PACE programme in collaboration with NASCOP for advanced

training of HIV care providers.

- Was a member of a specialist team writing national guidelines for use of hydroxyurea in

sickle cell disease (March 2013). These have been adopted by the Ministry of Health.

- Was a member of the Technical Working Group of the Kenya Medical Laboratory

Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) that formulated the Continuous Professional

Development (CPD) policy and guidelines. This was completed and the document accepted.

- Was a member of the team writing the core curriculum for Medical schools in Kenya under

the auspices of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (2012)

- Was a member of a team who carried out a review of the blood cold chain in Kenya under a

CHI/CDC funded project. Was part of the select team writing the report (2012).

- Constituted a Departmental Team and also contributed to the deliberations of the Forensic

Services Bill as part of the Police Reforms in Kenya (2011).

- Member of team writing the National Policy for the Medical Laboratory Services of Kenya

(2010-2011).

- Was a representative of the UON through invitation by the Vice Chancellor as a member of

a team from the East African Universities writing a document for the harmonization of

medical curricula in the region (2009). The document was subsequently adopted and

published by the Commission of Higher Education.

DISSERTATION SUPERVISION OF POST GRADUATE STUDENTS:

1. Dr Gachau G. A. (2004). Intranuclear Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) Expression in

Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia. Master of Medicine (MMed) Pathology degree.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 7

2. Dr Waweru A.K.M. (2005). Nadir Peripheral Blood Cell Counts in Patients on Treatment for Non-

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Breast Cancer with Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine and

Prednisone (CHOP) and Doxorubicin and Cyclphosphamide (AC) respectively. MMed Internal

Medicine degree.

3. Dr Shiroya – Wandaba (2005). Risk factors for cardiac dysfunction in children on treatment for

cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. MMed Paediatrics degree.

4. Dr Lang’o M. O. (2007) Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Children with Cyanotic Heart Disease seen

at Kenyatta National Hospital and Mater Hospital, Nairobi. MMed Paediatrics degree.

5. Dr Asaava E. (2010). Haemostatic Abnormalities seen in Breast Cancer Patients at Kenyatta

National Hospital, Nairobi. MMed Pathology degree.

6. Dr. Njoroge J.N. (2011). Determination of quality parameters of platelet concentrates at Kenyatta

National Hospital’s Blood Transfusion Unit. MMed Pathology degree.

7. Dr. Makory G. (2012). Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase level in Sickle Cell Disease at Kenyatta

National Hospital, Kenya. MMed Pathology degree.

8. Dr Njagi E. (2012). Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Type Two Diabetic Patients Using Metformin at

Kenyatta National Hospital. MMed Internal Medicine degree.

9. Dr Wakonyo Gicheru (2014): Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia in 6-59

Months Old Children with Pneumonia at Kenyatta National Hospital: A Comparison Between Two

Diagnostic Parameters. MMed Paediatrics degree.

10. Dr John Muturi (2016): Tumour Differentiation as a Prognostic Modifier among Patients with

Retinoblastoma at Kenyatta National Hospital and P.C.E.A Kikuyu Eye Unit. MMed Pathology

degree.

11. Dr Lillian Bosire (2017): Bone Marrow Morphology in Paediatric Mortalities Associated with

Severe Acute Respiratory Illness at Kenyatta National Hospital. MMed Pathology degree.

12. Dr Manjeeta Baichoo (2017): The Spectrum of Pathologies Found In Bone Marrow Amongst

Children Below 18 Years At Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. MMed Paediatrics degree

13. Dr Thaddeus Massawa (2018): Impact of a Capacity Building Initiative to Improve Cancer

Diagnosis using Bone Marrow and Fine Needle Aspiration Techniques in Two Level-5 Hospitals in

Kenya. MMed Pathology degree.

14. Dr Leah Obosy Okuoro (2018): Cytomorphological spectrum of diagnoses from bone marrow

preparation and fine needle aspiration in Coast and Nyeri Level 5 hospitals, Kenya. MMed

Pathology degree

15. Dr Josephine N. Macharia (2018): Prevalence and factors associated in development of anaemia

in the long stay preterm infant at Kenyatta National Hospital new-born unit. MMed Paediatrics

degree.

16. Dr. Martha W. Mwangi (2018): Seroprevalence of Human Herpesvirus 8 and associated factors

in blood donors at two blood donor centres in Nairobi, Kenya. MMed Pathology degree.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 8

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS ORGANISED

2016: Chair of the Scientific Committee arranging the 2017 HOSA (Haematology and Oncology Society

for Africa) Conference in Kenya.

2014: Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee of the 1st Scientific conference of the RSBT-K held in 2014.

2012: Chair of organizing committee for Pathologists stakeholder’s meeting held to discuss

Pathology training in Kenya on 21st November 2012.

2012: Member of the Organizing committee for the 1st International HIV Conference at the College of

Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya

2012: Member of the organizing committee for the 1st Haemostais and Thrombosis Symposium held at

the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, 21st October, 2012

2012: Member of the Committee organising the 1st Paediatric Oncology Symposium at the Kenyatta

National Hospital, 29th June,2012

2011: Chair, local organizing committee for International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research

(INCTR) Haematopathology Training Workshop, Nairobi, Kenya (UICC sponsored)

2010: Member of the scientific committee for a conference ‘What can we learn from Africa?’ held at

Certosa di Pontignano Siena, Italy, 7-8 May 2010 the University of Siena, Italy

2010: Member organizing committee of the 5th International Congress of the Africa Society for Blood

Transfusion, Nairobi, Kenya

2010: Organised the ‘Safe Phlebotomy and Infection Control Workshop’ for laboratory staff at the

College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya

2009: Organised a Central Pathology Review Workshop at the Department of Human Pathology, Nairobi,

Kenya, involving international and local pathology faculty to review lymphoma pathology

2006: Chair of the organizing committee of the 2nd International Scientific Conference of the Kenya

Society for Haematology and Oncology (KESHO), Nairobi, Kenya

MOST RECENT AND CURRENT REASEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

1. Principal investigator in An Open Label Extension Study of GBT440 Administered Orally to Patients

with Sickle Cell Disease Who Have Participated in GBT440 Clinical Trials.(ongoing)

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 9

2. Principal Invstigstor in a clinical trial: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Multicentre, Phase

III Study to Evaluate the Effect of Ticagrelor versus Placebo in Reducing the Rate of Vaso-Occlusive

Crises in Paediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (HESTIA3) (ongoing)

3. Principal Investigatorin a A Multi-centre, Phase I, Open-label, Single-dose Study to Investigate

Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Ticagrelor in Infants and Toddlers, Aged 0 to less than 24 Months, with Sickle

Cell Disease (HESTIA4) (ongoing)

4. Principal Investigator in A Phase 3, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Study

of GBT440 Administered Orally to Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (ongoing)

5. Principal Investigator at Kenyatta National Hospital of multinational study on Acess to Childhood

Cancer Essentials (ACCESS). (Not yet started)

6. Principal Investigator of a study: The Cost and Cost Effectiveness of Childhood Cancer Treatment in

Kenyatta National Hospital. (Ongoing)

7. Principal Investigator and Kenya country co-ordinating investigator in a Multicenter open-label,

randomised, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic Phase II study of ticagrelor (anti-platelet drug)

in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease. A multinational clinical trial( completed 2017)

8. Steering Committee Member for Clinical trial for ticagrelor in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.

9. Supervisor in study ‘Gene mutations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Kenyan Patients

(ongoing)

10. Principal investigator in a Phase 3, double-blind, randomized, efficacy and safety comparison of an

antiplatelet drug (prasugrel) and placebo in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. This was a

multinational clinical trial. (Completed 2016)

11. Principal investigator in research on the Treatment and Characterization of Burkitt’s Lymphoma in

Africa as part of a multi-centre study under the auspices of the International Network for Cancer

Treatment and Research (INCTR) (Completed 2015).

12. Co-Investigator in the ‘Study of Prevalence of Esophageal Squamous Dysplasia (STEP Study) in Tenwek,

Kenya’ This is a collaborative study with the researchers from the Department of Human Pathology

(UON), Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya, National Cancer Institute and Mayo Clinic in USA.

(Completed)

13. Co-Investigator in the study Molecular analysis of Wilms’ tumour in Kenya. This is a collaborative

study between UON and Vanderbilt University (Completed).

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES

1. Hsu L, Sarnaik S, Williams S, Amilon C, Wissmar J, Berggren A on behalf of the HESTIA1

Investigators*. A dose-ranging study of ticagrelor in children aged 3-17 years with sickle cell disease:

A 2-part phase 2 study. Am J Hematol. 2018 Dec; 93(12): 1493–1500 (*I was a Primary Investigator

in this multinational study)

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 10

2. Sayed S, Field A, Rajab J, Mutuiri A, Githanga J, et al. Task Sharing and Shifting to Provide Pathology

Diagnostic Services: The Kenya Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology and Bone Marrow Aspiration

and Trephine Biopsy Training Program. J Glob Oncol. 2018 Nov;(4):1-11. doi: 10.1200/JGO.18.00094.

3. Baichoo M, Musoke R, Githanga J. (2018). The spectrum of pathologies found in bone marrow

amongst children below 18 years at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Hematol Transfus Int

J. 2018;6(5):171‒175. DOI: 10.15406/htij.2018.06.00176

4. Kerubo LB, Walong EO, Githanga JN. Bone marrow morphology in paediatric mortalities associated

with severe acute respiratory illness at Kenyatta National Hospital East African Journal of Pathology

Dec 2017Vol 4 No 2.

5. Odera JO, Odera E, Githang’a J, Walong EO, Li F, Xiong Z, Chen XL. Esophageal cancer in Kenya. Am

J Digest Dis 2017;4(3):23-33

6. Qaiser S, Limo A, Gichana J, Kimani K, Githanga J, Waweru W, Dimba EAO, Dimaras H. Design and

Implementation of the Retinoblastoma Collaborative Laboratory. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2017;3:73–82 D

OI: 10.1159/000451000

7. Mwachiro MM, Burgert SL, Lando J, Chepkwony R, Bett C, Bosire C, Abnet CC, Githanga J, Waweru

W, Giffen CA, Murphy G, White RE, Topazian MD, Dawsey SM. Esophageal Squamous Dysplasia

is Common in Asymptomatic Kenyans: A Prospective, Community-Based, Cross-Sectional

Study. The Am J Gastroenterol , (23 February 2016) | doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.26

8. Heeney MM, Hoppe CC, Abboud MR, Inusa B, Kanter J, Ogutu B, Brown PB, Heath LE, Jakubowski JA,

Zhou C, Zamoryakhin D, Agbenyega T, Colombatti R, Hassab HM, Nduba VN, Oyieko JN, Robitaille N,

Segbefia CI, Rees DC for the DOVE Investigators* (* I was a DOVE investigator). A Multinational

Trial of Prasugrel for Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Events 2015. NEJM.org. DOI:

10.1056/NEJMoa1512021 Copyright © 2015 Massachusetts Medical Society.

9. Patel D, Githanga J, Okemwa PM, Muthuri JM. Childhood gastric adenocarcinoma – a diagnostic

dilemma. East African Journal of Pathology. 2015; 2:34-37

10. Ilunga J, Raphael M, Hurwitz N, Leoncini L, Githanga J, Lebwaze B, Chumba D and Anani I.

Telepathology: Role in improving laboratory techniques, diagnosis and research in low resource

countries. East African Journal of Pathology. 2015; 2:30 – 33.

11. Lovvorn HN 3rd, Pierce J, Libes J, Li B, Wei Q, Correa H, Gouffon J, Clark PE, Axt JR, Hansen

E, Newton M, O'Neill JA Jr, Kenyan Wilms Tumor Consortium. Collaborators (10) Genetic and

chromosomal alterations in Kenyan Wilms Tumor. Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2015

Nov;54(11):702-15. doi: 10.1002/gcc.22281. Epub 2015 Aug 14. (I am a member of the Kenyan

Wilms Tumour Consortium)

12. Libes, J, Oruko, O, Abdallah, F, Githanga, J, Ndung'u, J, Musimbi, J, Njuguna, F, Patel, K, White, J, Axt,

JR, O'Neill, JA, Shrubsole, M, Li, M, Lovvorn, HN. Risk factors for abandonment of Wilms tumor

therapy in Kenya. Pediatr. Blood Cancer. 2015; 62: 252–256. doi: 10.1002/pbc.25312

13. Njoroge RN, Mwamba PM, Githanga J and Rajab J. Quality parameters of platelet concentrate at

Kenyatta National Hospital’s Blood Transfusion Unit. International Journal of Hematological

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 11

Disorders 1.1 (2014): 35-40. Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ijhd/1/1/7© Science and

Education Publishing DOI:10.12691/ijhd-1-1-7

14. Githang’a J, Hurwitz N. Haematopathology diagnosis: Role of multidisciplinary workshops. Afr J Lab

Med 2013;2(1), Art. #82, 3 pages.hhtp://dx.doi: 10.4102/ajlm.v2i1.82

15. Libes JM, Seeley EH, Li M, Axt JR, Pierce J, Correa H, Newton M, Hansen E, Judd A, McDonald H,

Caprioli RM, Naranjo A, Huff V, O'Neill JA Jr, Lovvorn HN 3rd; Kenyan Wilms Tumor Consortium.

Race disparities in peptide profiles of North American and Kenyan Wilms tumor specimens. J Am

Coll Surg. 2014 Apr;218(4):707-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.12.044. Epub 2014 Jan 24.

PMID:24655859

16. Axt J, Abdallah F, Axt M, Githanga J, Hansen E, Lessan J, Li M, Musimbi J, Mwachiro M, Newton M,

Ndung’u J, Njuguna F, Nzioka A, Oruko O, Patel K, Tenge R, Ukoli F, White R, O’Neill Jr. J a, Harold

NA, Lovvorn III HN. Wilms tumor survival in Kenya. Journal of Pediatric Surgery (2013) 48: 1254–

1262

17. Dimaras H, Dimba EAO, Waweru W, Githanga J, Kimani K. Digital cancer pathology in Africa

(Correspondence) Lancet Oncol 2013 14: 289 – 290

18. Molyneux E, Davidson A, Orem J , Hesseling P, Balagadde – Kambugu J, Githanga J, Israels T.

Practical recommendations for the management of children with Kaposi sarcoma in resource limited

settings. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2013 Apr;60(4):538-42. doi: 10.1002/pbc.24408. Epub 2012 Dec 19.

19. Ngoma T, Adde M, Durosinmi M, Githang’a J, Aken’Ova, Y, Kaijage J, Adeodou, O, Rajab J, Brown BJ,

Leoncini L, Naresh K, Raphael M, Hurwitz, N, Scanlan P, Rohatiner A, Venzon D, Magrath I.

Treatment of Burkitt lymphoma in equatorial Africa using a simple three-drug combination followed

by a salvage regimen for patients with persistent or recurrent disease. Br J Haematol 2012; 158 (6):

749–762 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09236.x. Epub 2012 Jul 30

20. Lenze D, Leoncini L, Hummel M, Volinia S, Liu CG, Amato T, De Falco G, Githanga J, Horn H, Nyagol

J, Ott G, Palatini J, Pfreundschuh M, Rogena E, Rosenwald A, Siebert R, Croce CM, Stein H. The

different epidemiologic subtypes of Burkitt lymphoma share a homogenous micro RNA profile

distinct from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Leukemia. 2011; 25(12):1869-76.

21. Naresh K., Raphael M., Ayers L., Hurwitz N., Calbi V., Rogena E, Sherman O., Ibrahim H., Lazzi S.,

Mourmouras V., Rince P., Githanga J., Byakika B., Sayed S., Moshi E., Durosinmi M., Olasode BJ.,

Olayiwola AO., Akenova Y., Bode U., Adde M., Magrath I., Leoncini L. Lymphomas in sub-Saharan

Africa – what can we learn and how can we help in improving diagnosis, managing patients and

fostering translational research? Br J Haematol 2011, 154(6): 696–703

22. Kitonyi GW, Duncan A, Rajab JA, Githang’a J. Congenital Afibrinogenaemia: A case report; East Afr.

Med J. 2010, 87 (2) 81-83

23. Pamnani R, Rajab J, Githang’a J, Kasmani R. Disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed on bone

marrow aspirate cytology: Report of four cases. East Afr. Med J. 2009, 86: S102 – S105.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 12

24. Shiroya-Wandaba, Yuko-Jowi C, Nduati R, Githang’a J, Wamalwa D. Risk factors for cardiac

dysfunction in children on treatment for cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. East Afr. Med

J. 2009, 86: S52 – S57. 25. Lang’o MO, Githang’a J, Yuko-Jowi CA. Prevalence of iron deficiency in children with cyanotic heart

disease seen at Kenyatta National Hospital and Mater Hospital, Nairobi. East Afr. Med J. 2009, 86:

S47-S51.

26. Kitonyi G, Githang’a JN, Rajab JA, Mwanda WO. Paediatric Thrombosis in Kenya. GW Journal of

Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2009;7, Supplement 2

27. Kitonyi G.W., Githang’a J.N., Maturi P. Fistulae complicating Burkitt’s lymphoma

Therapy: The challenges. Journal of Hematopathology. 2008:Vol 1:19

28. Maxwell TJ, Ameyaw MM, Pritchard S, Thornton N, Folayan G, Githang'a J, Indalo A, Tariq M,

Mobarek A, Evans DA, Ofori-Adjei D, Templeton AR, Mcleod HL. Beta-2 adrenergic receptor

genotypes and haplotypes in different ethnic groups. Int J Mol Med. 2005 Oct;16(4):573-80.

29. Ameyaw MM, Regateiro F, Li T, Liu , Tariq M, Mobarek A, Thornton N, Folayan GO, Githang'a J,

Indalo A, Ofori-Adjei D, Price-Evans DA, McLeod HL. MDR1 pharmacogenetics: frequency of the

C3435T mutation in exon 26 is significantly influenced by ethnicity. Pharmacogenetics: 2001 vol

11(3): 217-221

30. Githang’a J, Dave P. Bone marrow examination at a Paediatric Hospital in Kenya. East Afr. Med. J

2001 (Supplement) p537

31. Morsman, JM, Sludden, J, Ameyaw, M-M, Githang'a, J, Indalo, A, Ofori-Adjei, D., McLeod, H.L.

(2000) Evaluation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity in Southwest Asian, Kenyan and

Ghanaian populations. Br J Clin Pharm 50:269

32. McLeod, H L., Pritchard S. C., Githang'a J, Indalo A, Ameyaw MM, Powrie RH, Booth L., Collie-Duguid

ES. (1999). Ethnic differences in thiopurine methyltransferase pharmacogenetics: evidence for allele

specificity in Caucasian and Kenyan subjects. Pharmacogenetics 9: 773-776

33. Githang'a, J. N.(1998). Diagnosis of disseminated alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma using cytogenetics:

case report. East Afr. Med. J 1998; 75:724 - 725.

34. McLeod, HL, Syvanen, A-C, Githang'a J, Indalo A, Ismail D, Dewar K, Ulmanen I, Sludden J. (1998)

Ethnic differences in catechol-O-methyltransferase pharmacogenetics: frequency of the codon

108/158 low activity allele is lower in Kenyan than Caucasian or Southwest Asian subjects.

Pharmacogenetics. 8, 195-199

Book Chapter

Douglas K and Githanga J. Transfusion Medicine. In Synopsis of Hematology Okpala I and Johnson

C (Eds). CreateSpace, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. 2010.

Dissertation

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 13

Githanga JN. (1989) Chromosomal abnormalities in childhood acute leukaemia at Kenyatta

National Hospital, Kenya. Dissertation for part fulfillment of Master of Medicine (in Pathology)

degree.

Reports

Review of blood Cold Chain in Kenya. June - December 2011. A report written for the African S

ociety for Blood Transfusion – Kenya Chapter (AfSBT-K). This work was funded by CHI

Selected Published Abstracts

1. Githanga J, Ndungu J, Patel D. Diagnosis of haematological malignancies at Kenyatta National

Hospital, Kenya. Fifth International INCTR Lymphoma Conference "What Can We Learn from Africa”

in Dakar, Senegal 12 – 14 November, 2015.

2. Wakonyo Gicheru, Jessie Githang’a , Daniel Njai, Elizabeth Obimbo-Maleche.

Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in 6-59 months old children with

pneumonia at Kenyatta National Hospital: A comparison between two diagnostic parameters.

Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists Scientific Conference, 22nd - 24th October 2015,

Mombasa, Kenya.

3. Githanga J, Kabera B, Wafula B. Poster presentation of a case report Report of a complex

haemoglobinopathy with Hb C and the rare haemoglobin Santa Ana in a Kenyan boy. Kenya

Association of Clinical Pathologists Scientific Conference, 22nd - 24th October 2015, Mombasa,

Kenya.

4. Githanga J. Childhood cancer research in Kenya: The successes, challenges and the way forward.

Kenya Paediatric Association 14th Annual Scientific Conference, 16-20th April, 2013, Mombasa Kenya

(also issued on CD)

5. Githanga J. Mwachari C., Dawa J., Penner J., Maritim M., Lule N. and Ojoo J. Developing laboratory

personnel to support HIV/AIDS care programs in Kenya: Impact of the Partnership in Advanced

Clinical Education (PACE) programme. The 1st International Conference for the Association of the

Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), 4-7th December, 2012

6. Njoroge RN, Githanga J, Mwamba PM, Rajab J. Quality parameters of platelets at Kenyatta National

Hospital’s Blood Transfusion Unit. The 1st International Conference for the Association of the

Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), 4-7th December, 2012

7. Axt JR, Abdallah FK, Axt MD, Githang'a JN, Hansen EN, Lessan J, Kyambi J, Ndung'u JM, Newton M,

Njuguna F, Nzioka A, Musimbi J, Mwachiro M, Oruko OV, Patel KT, Tenge RK, White RE, James A.

Wilms Tumour Survival Analysis in Kenya. American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference

and Exhibition, New Orleans, USA, 20 -23rd October, 2012

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 14

8. Githanga J., Hurwitz, Kumar P., Gatei D., Ireri J., VuhahulaE., Makani J. and Kaaya E. Improving the

quality of haematopathology diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa through focused interdisciplinary

training workshops. Pathpoint 2012 conference Cape Town South Africa 28-30 September, 2012.

(Also published on internet in the INCTR Newsletter)

9. Hurwitz N., Tichelli A., Kumar P. and Githanga J. International Network for Cancer Treatment and

Research (INCTR) Online Platform for Consultation and Continuing Education in Pathology and

Hematology. Pathpoint 2012 conference Cape Town South Africa 28-30 September 2012

10. Githanga J.N., Kitonyi G.W., Kariithi M., Rajab J.A., Njeru D., Mbugua P., Abdinassir N., Kitangala E.,

Margaret Oduor. and Gupta D. Blood safety in Kenya: Challenges in blood distribution and cold

chain maintenance. The Biennial meeting of the African Society for Blood Transfusion in Mauritius,

4 - 6th June 2012.

11. Maritim M, Githanga J, Dawa J, Penner J, Ojoo S, Lule G. A combination of integrated and horizontal

interventions targeted towards faculty to improve pre-service HIV training at 6 public universities

within Kenya. 1st International HIV Conference at the College of Health Sciences, June 14 -15, 2012,

University of Nairobi, Kenya

12. Githanga J. Is this iron deficiency? 10th International Association of Pathologists of East, Central and

Southern Africa (APECSA) Scientific Conference, 2010 Kampala, Uganda.

13. Githanga J. Burkitt lymphoma: An African success story. AORTIC Conference 11-14th November

2009, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

14. Githanga J. and Rajab J. The treatment and Characterization of Burkitt’s lymphoma in Africa.

Kenyatta National Hospital 2nd Scientific Conference 8-9th October 2009

15. Githanga J., Rogena E. The limitations in making a diagnosis of lymphomas at the Kenyatta National

Hospital, Kenya. 9th International Association of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa

(APECSA) Scientific Conference, Mombasa in October 22 - 25, 2008

16. Kitonyi G.W., Githang’a J.N., Maturi P. Fistulae complicating Burkitt’s lymphoma

Therapy: The challenges. International conference on Burkitt’s Lymphoma, Kampala, Uganda,

February 2008

17. Githanga J. Severe hereditary Protein C deficiency presenting as purpura fulminans in a neonate.

9th International Association of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (APECSA) Scientific

Conference, Mombasa in October 22 - 25, 2008.

18. Githanga JN, Odhiambo A., Waweru W. The role of Ultrasound-guided transthoracic fine needle

aspiration in the diagnosis of chest lesions in a private care facility. 9th International Association of

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 15

Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (APECSA) Scientific Conference, Mombasa in

October 22 - 25, 2008.

19. Githanga J., Bii C. Disseminated histoplasmosis in a child. The XVth meeting of the International

Society of Haematology, African and European Division September 1999, Durban, South Africa.

20. Githanga J. Macrocytic anaemia. Annual Conference of the Kenya Association of Physicians

January 1994, Nairobi, Kenya.

21. Githanga J. Fluorescent in situ hybridization: Its application in leukaemia cytogenetics. Annual

Conference of the Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists, 16 September 1993, Nairobi, Kenya.

22. Githanga J. Analysis of complex chromosomal aberrations in haematological disorders by

chromosome painting. Association of Clinical Cytogeneticists (ACC) Annual Scientific Meeting in

Glasgow, July, 1993.

23. Githanga J. Acute leukaemia associated with translocation (4;11). The XVI World Congress of

Anatomic and Clinical Pathology in Vancouver, Canada, 1991.

24. Githanga J., Kasili E. Chromosomal abnormalities in childhood acute leukaemia at Kenyatta National

Hospital. The Joint Congress of the Paediatric Union of National African Paediatric Societies and

Associations, and International Society of Tropical Paediatrics, March 1990, Nairobi, Kenya.

Selected Proffered Communications

1. Presentation on immunohaematology and transfusion transmitted infections at a workshop in Nairobi

on 16 April 2019.

2. Presentation on sickle cell disease in Kenya to meeting of Ministers of Health and their representatives

and researchers from Africa and France in Paris, 26 March 2019.

3. Presentation “Research in Paediatric Palliative Care in LMIC” presented at the Kenya Hospices and

Palliative Care Conference in Nairobi on 7 Nov 2018

4. Presentation on ‘Health-related quality of life in sickle cell disease: why it matters’ delivered at a

multinational clinical trials Investigators Meeting, Dubai, 13 – 14 September, 2018

5. Talk “Blood Cancers: What you need to know” given to Cancer advocates on 27 July 2018 in Nairobi,

Kenya.

6. Presentation “Paediatric Haemato-oncology in Africa: Steps towards building bridges across

continents”. Talk given at the Sick Kids Hospital, Toronto Canada during the Oncology Rounds on 21

June 2018.

7. An overview on sickle cell disease delivered at a Sickle Cell Disease and Diabetes workshop in Nairobi

on 2 May 2018

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 16

8. Paper “Clinical Trials in Africa: Perspectives of a trialist” presented at the Haematology and Oncology

Society of Africa (HOSA) Conference 2 August 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya.

9. Paper “Advances in Haematopathology” presented at the Medic East Africa, 28 September 2016,

Nairobi, Kenya

10. Paper “Overview of Diagnosis of Haematologic Malignancies” presented at the HuQAS Annual

Conference 8 -10 September, 2016, Nairobi, Kenya.

11. Paper” Diagnosis of hematological malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya” presented at

the Francophone Africa Society of Hematology, SAFHEMA Conference held in Dakar, Senegal, on

November 12-14, 2015.

12. Paper ‘Sickle Cell Disease in Children: Where are we at and the way forward?’ presented at the 4th

annual Scientific Symposium of the Kenya Medical Women’s Association on 9th November 2013.

13. Paper entitled ‘Overview of Sickle Cell Disease in Kenya’ presented at the Sickle Cell Symposium at

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi Kenya during celebrations for Sickle Cell Day, June 19th 2013.

14. Paper entitled ‘Diagnosis of sickle cell disease’ presented at the Sickle Cell Symposium at Gertrude’s

Children’s Hospital, Nairobi Kenya during celebrations for Sickle Cell Day, June 19th 2013.

15. Paper entitled ‘Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Equatorial Africa’

presented at the Third International INCTR Lymphoma Conference "What Can We Learn from Africa”

31 February – 2 March 2013, Mombasa, Kenya.

16. Invited by the Kenya Paediatric Association to give talk entitled Childhood Cancers in Developing

Countries presented at the 1st Paediatric Oncology Symposium at the Kenyatta National Hospital

17. Githanga J, Wandolo G, Gontier C, Dawa J, Jaoko W, Mwachari C. Rolling back the HIV epidemic:

Impact of the PACE program on pre-service laboratory training at the universities. 1st International

HIV Conference at the College of Health Sciences, June 14 -15, 2012, University of Nairobi, Kenya

(Poster)

18. Paper entitled ‘INCTR Kenyan Pathology Network Experience’ at the INCTR conference “What Can We

Learn from Africa” 9-10th May 2011, Paris, France.

19. Paper entitled ‘ Grey zone classic Hodgkin Lymphoma –Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma’ presented at

the Lymphoma Conference, Certosa di Pontignano, 7-8th May 2010 Siena, Italy.

20. Paper entitled ‘i-Path’: Perspectives of users in Nairobi, Kenya’ presented at the 10th International

Association of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (APECSA) Scientific Conference, 2010

Kampala, Uganda.

Publications or features in Multimedia

1. NTV interview on sickle cell disease (April 27 2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeDdohgm34Q

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 17

2. Kameme TV interview on Thyroid cancer in children (vernacular) https://youtube.be/Z-

B7PcaHWG8

3. Interview on NTV on sickle cell disease (December 2018)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT1Upq6-5HM

4. UNICEF Kenya clip on participation at career day talk/mentorship November 2018

https://twitter.com/i/status/1064733157923192833

5. Githanga J. Childhood cancer: What you need to know. Kenya Medical Women’s

Association Annual Conference October 22nd 2011 Pan Afric Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.

Published as a CD.

6. Featured in a video (Demotix, a network for freelance photojournalists) in an interview by

Ruud Elmendorp, a German photojournalist, who was doing a documentary on children

with cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital June 22, 2011. (Also posted on You Tube)

7. Githanga J. Care and maintenance of equipment: Perspectives of a clinical laboratory.

Laboratex 2009 Conference 30th and 31st March 2009, Laico Regency Hotel Nairobi, Kenya.

Published as a CD.

8. Githanga J. The significance of accurate bilirubin estimation in the clinical management of

jaundiced neonates. Annual Human Quality Assurance (HuQuAS ) Workshop November ,

Nairobi, Kenya 2006 . Published as a CD.

9. Abinya N-A, Githanga JN. INCTR Newsletter on a partner profile on Kenyatta National

Hospital, 2010. Published on the INCTR website

PEER REVIEWER

- I have been a Peer reviewer for:

o Journal of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)

o Journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer

o East African Journal of Pathology

o Ad Hoc Reviewer for the East African Medial Journal (EAMJ)

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

- External Examiner in Haematology at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es

Salaam, Tanzania for three tours, 2005 – 2007, 2013 – 2015 and 2018 for both undergraduate and

postgraduate candidates.

CV J. N. Githanga June 2019 Page 18

- External Examiner (undergraduate medical students) Maseno University (2016- 2018)

- External examiner (undergraduate medical students) at Egerton University, Kenya (2011 – 2014)

- External Examiner for BSc Medical Laboratory Technology Kenyatta University (2009 – 2012)

- External examiner (undergraduate medical students) at Kenyatta University, Kenya (2008 – 2011).

- External examiner (undergraduate medical students) at Moi University, Kenya (2004 – 2006)

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

- Board Member of Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) since 2018.

- Board Member and Trustee of Health Education for Africa Resource Team (HEART) since 2015, a

local NGO that aims to better the lives of women living with HIV and their children.

______________________