Kisumu: The government has designated the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu as Kenya’s first public centre for advanced sickle cell treatment, marking a major milestone in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms. Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Ouma Oluga said the facility is now offering specialised red blood cell exchange therapy at its Victoria Annex Hospital, a procedure that significantly reduces painful crises, strokes, and other life-threatening complications associated with sickle cell disease.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Oluga, during a visit to the hospital alongside county chief officers for health, emphasized that this investment exemplifies how recent health reforms are beginning to translate into specialized services for patients. The visit precedes the World Sickle Cell Day on June 19 and World Blood Donor Day commemorations, both of which the Ministry of Health is using to intensify awareness on blood disorders and blood donation.
The PS acknowledged that sickle cell disease remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in the Nyanza, Western, and Coastal regions, where nearly two percent of the population is affected. He highlighted the relatively low life expectancy among sickle cell patients in Kenya, with many surviving only into their forties, prompting government interventions aimed at improving both survival and quality of life.
Dr. Oluga revealed collaborative efforts with King’s College London to transform the Kisumu facility into a regional Centre of Excellence for sickle cell management. Specialists are expected to arrive in the country next week to support training, equipment expansion, and blood supply systems. He encouraged counties to refer patients requiring specialized care to the facility, emphasizing the service’s potential to reduce complications that often lead to lifelong care.
Dr. Brenda Misore, the lead paediatrician at Victoria Annex Hospital, noted that demand for the red cell exchange procedure has grown steadily since its introduction. The procedure has notably improved the lives of children with the genetic disorder by reducing hospital visits, enhancing school attendance, and preventing debilitating complications.
Dr. Misore warned of the severe consequences of stroke among children with sickle cell disease in the region, often resulting in permanent disability. She advocated for increased newborn screening, public awareness, and genetic testing to aid families in making informed reproductive choices. Additionally, she called for enhanced blood donation efforts, noting that the programme’s success heavily relies on a reliable blood supply.
The transformative impact of the programme is evident in the experience of 33-year-old Michelle Omulo, a beneficiary who has lived with sickle cell disease for three decades. Omulo, the first patient at the facility to undergo the red cell exchange procedure, reported a significant improvement in her health post-treatment and encouraged other patients to seek assessment for the procedure.
Council of Governors Chief Officers Caucus chairman Dr. Kevin Osuri acknowledged the lack of awareness about such services in the public health system among many counties. He emphasized the need for better referral systems and wider information dissemination to maximize the programme’s benefits.
The programme is implemented in partnership with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, which provided the technology used in the procedure. Eric Mwenda, Terumo’s East Africa Regional Manager, noted that Kenya is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa where the Social Health Authority reimburses specialized sickle cell treatment. He described this as a significant achievement that could serve as a model for other African countries. Mwenda added that the technology is also applicable in cancer treatment and pledged continued support for Kenya through equipment, skills training, and simulation-based learning for clinicians.
