John Isiiko is a Clinical Pharmacist and Researcher in the Department of Pharmacy at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Mbarara Cancer Centre. He earned his Master of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 2021, following his Bachelor of Pharmacy. He also completed specialized training in Hematology and Oncology Pharmacy at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre in the UK, along with an observership in Pediatric Oncology Pharmacy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, USA.
Isiiko's personal experience growing up with limited access to adequate healthcare and essential medicines sparked in him a sense of duty and a lifelong commitment to advancing cancer care for children through the field of oncology pharmacy with a global perspective. He is passionate about health policy and leading effective quality improvement initiatives that inform health policies that mitigate disparities in childhood cancer care. This program will enable him to further his expertise in this domain, impacting change not only in Uganda, but globally.
His research focuses on improving access to quality medicines, reducing the cost of cancer treatment, and enhancing treatment safety and outcomes in pediatric oncology. John’s pilot study on dose rounding of anti-cancer drugs, revealed the potential to cut treatment costs without compromising clinical effectiveness, an essential strategy in low-resource settings.
As Head Pharmacist at UCI Mbarara Cancer Centre, Isiiko leads training and research initiatives, coordinates continuing medical education sessions, participates in community outreach programs, and spearheads cost-minimization projects. His work is driven by a belief that innovative interdisciplinary strategies are essential to solving the complex challenges facing children’s health in low-income countries.
In recognition for his exceptional contribution to paediatric oncology, Isiiko earned awards, including but not limited to; the SIOP Young Investigator Award in 2023 and 2024 and several scholarships from St. Jude Global.
Hometown: Mbarara, Uganda
Education:
2021 - MPharm, Clinical Pharmacy – Mbarara University of Science and Technology
2015 - BPharm – Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Publications:
Kiptoo J, Isiiko J, Yadesa TM, Rhodah T, Alele PE, Mulogo EM. (2024). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: assessing the prevalence, predictors, and effectiveness of a community pharmacy-based counselling intervention. BMC Public Health. 2024 Jan 6;24(1):111.
Isiiko, J., Kiptoo, J., Yadesa, T. M., Mwandah, D. C., Alinaiswe, R., Ngonzi, J., & Alele, P. E. (2022). Potentially harmful medication use and the associated factors among pregnant women visiting antenatal care clinics in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Southwestern Uganda. Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 9(1):16-25.
Isiiko J, Atwiine B, Oloro J. (2021). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nephrotoxicity Among Adult Cancer Patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Cancer Management and Research. 2021;13:7677-7684.