Dr. Heronima Joas Kashaigili is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and a nationally recognized leader in childhood cancer care in Tanzania. Based at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, she serves as the Assistant Head of Oncology Services and leads the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit. She is also a lecturer at the Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences, where she mentors the next generation of pediatric specialists.
She earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences in 2009, completed pediatric residency at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College in 2017, and finished a pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship through Makerere University in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. She also holds a diploma in Tropical Medicine from the East Africa program (2016).
Driven by a deep commitment to improving survival rates and reducing morbidity and mortality in children with cancer and blood disorders, Dr. Kashaigili has spearheaded regional efforts to expand early diagnosis, standardize care, and increase access to quality treatment across Tanzania’s Lake Zone. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in transforming outcomes for pediatric oncology patients in one of the country’s most underserved areas.
Her clinical and research contributions span multiple international collaborations, including roles as principal investigator or co-investigator on studies examining Burkitt’s lymphoma (EMBLEM), EBV liquid biopsy validation, pediatric cancer survivorship, caregiver education, HIV-associated lymphoma subtypes, and nutrition interventions. Her vision is to further specialize in hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplantation—particularly acute leukemia—to improve early recognition and survival for children across her region.
Dr. Kashaigili joined the Master’s in Global Child Health program at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to build on her leadership in care delivery by advancing skills in health systems strengthening, policy, advocacy, and innovation. Through the program, she aims to expand regional capacity, foster collaborative networks, and shape a more equitable future for children with cancer in Tanzania and beyond.
Hometown: Lake Zone Region, Mwanza, Tanzania
Education:
2020 - Pediatric Hematology – Oncology Fellowship – Makerere University
2017 - Pediatric Residency – Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College
2016 - Diploma in Tropical Medicine – London School of Tropical Medicine
2009 - Medical Degree – Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences
Publications:
Kashaigili H, Munube D, Nzamu I, Omeddo D, Akullo A, Nakiddu N, Naturinda E, Ssenyondwa J, Naitala R, Wasswa P, Namazzi R. impact of a nutrition assessment and rehabilitation program for children treated for cancer in a sub-sahara africa single center. in pediatric blood & cancer 2023 nov 1 (vol. 70, pp. s415-s415). 111 river sthoboken 07030-5774, nj usa: wiley.
Heronima Kashaigili, Robert Enock, John Bihemo, Jacqueline Kamanga, Richard Mhone, John Hizza, Paul Shadrack, Mayolwa Kashinje, Rina Luhaga, Kristin Schroeder, Implementation and Impact of a Nutrition Program for Pediatric Oncology Patients in Lake Zone Tanzania in Pediatric blood & cancer 2024 dec 1 (vol. 71 s31444,).
HJ, Schroeder K. Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with Burkitt lymphoma treated in Tanzania following the implementation of the 2016 National Treatment Guidelines: Poor outcomes to current standard-of-care therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2024 Sep;71(9): e31145. doi: 10.1002/pbc.31145. Epub 2024 Jun 24. PMID: 389246