The government has stepped up efforts to improve the management of sickle cell disease in Kenya, with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) positioning itself as a leading referral centre for specialised treatment.

Speaking on Friday, June 12, 2026, during a visit to the facility ahead of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga said sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern, particularly in the Nyanza, Western and Coastal regions, where prevalence rates are among the highest in the country.

He noted that approximately two per cent of the population in these regions lives with the genetic blood disorder, creating a significant burden on affected families and the healthcare system.

Oluga said the government has invested in advanced technologies and services at JOOTRH to improve care for patients living with the condition.

He noted that the hospital is now the first public facility in Kenya to offer red cell exchange transfusion, a specialised procedure that helps reduce painful sickle cell crises and other life-threatening complications.

According to the PS, the intervention is expected to improve both the lifespan and quality of life of patients, many of whom currently face severe health challenges from childhood through adulthood.

The PS said the ministry is also working to transform JOOTRH into a centre of excellence for sickle cell care in Africa.

He revealed that the government is collaborating with King’s College London to strengthen the programme through training, research, and acquisition of additional equipment.

A team of specialists from the institution is expected in the country next week to support the expansion of services and build the capacity of healthcare workers.

He further urged county governments to take advantage of the specialised services available at JOOTRH by referring patients who require advanced treatment.

Oluga said increased awareness and collaboration between national and county governments would ensure that more patients benefit from life-saving interventions. He added that the ministry would use upcoming commemorations of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day to educate the public on blood disorders and encourage voluntary blood donation.

Dr Brenda Misore, a paediatric haematologist and oncologist at JOOTRH, said the introduction of services for red cell exchange transfusions has brought renewed hope to patients and families affected by sickle cell disease.

She explained that the hospital has experienced a growing demand for the procedure since it became the first public facility in the country to offer the service, highlighting the urgent need for specialised care among patients living with blood disorders.

Misore noted that sickle cell disease is a lifelong genetic condition that often subjects patients to recurring pain, severe anaemia, and debilitating complications such as stroke.

She said children are among the most vulnerable, with many suffering repeated hospital admissions that disrupt their education and daily lives. The specialised treatment, she said, has significantly reduced these challenges by providing longer periods of stability and reducing the frequency of complications.

According to the specialist, many children who previously endured constant pain and regular blood transfusions can now comfortably remain in school and participate in normal activities for several months before requiring another procedure.

She said the improvement in patients’ quality of life has demonstrated the importance of investing in specialised sickle cell services and expanding access to advanced treatment technologies.

However, Misore emphasised that the programme’s sustainability depends on a reliable blood supply. She called on Kenyans to embrace voluntary blood donation, describing it as a simple act that saves lives and supports critical medical procedures.

She also advocated establishing a robust blood donor registry to ensure a steady supply for patients who rely on transfusion services.

The doctor further stressed the need for screening and public awareness, urging individuals to know their sickle cell status and make informed reproductive choices.

She said early diagnosis and preventive care are essential in reducing complications that often leave patients with lifelong disabilities and place a heavy financial and emotional burden on families.

The visit comes as the Ministry of Health intensifies efforts to improve care for people living with blood disorders and mobilise blood donors ahead of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day, both commemorated in June.