Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ian Obadha

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) plans to strengthen sickle cell care through the introduction of Transcranial Doppler ultrasound screening for early stroke detection, expansion of community-based screening programmes and the establishment of a comprehensive haematology centre under its ongoing Comprehensive Cancer Centre project.

The plans were highlighted during the Kisumu County commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day held at Katito Sub-County Hospital under the theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.”

In a speech delivered on behalf of JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise by Dr. Brenda Misore, Paediatric Oncologist and Lead of the Victoria Annex Sickle Cell Programme, the hospital outlined efforts aimed at improving outcomes for people living with sickle cell disease.

Dr. Misore noted that while sickle cell disease remains a major cause of childhood illness and death in Africa, early diagnosis and comprehensive care have significantly improved survival. She revealed that mortality among children enrolled in JOOTRH’s newborn screening and follow-up programme has reduced to 2.2 per cent, highlighting the impact of early intervention.

She also noted that the hospital’s paediatric sickle cell clinic has grown from about 30 patients per clinic day to more than 60, reflecting increased awareness and uptake of services.

A key milestone highlighted during the event was the establishment of Kenya’s first permanent public-sector automated red cell exchange (apheresis) service at JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital. Before introducing the service locally, the hospital partnered with Nairobi West Hospital to conduct eight automated apheresis procedures for patients with severe sickle cell complications.

The service enables timely treatment for patients at risk of stroke, acute chest syndrome and other severe complications. JOOTRH has also trained local healthcare workers to independently perform the procedure to ensure continuity of care.

Dr. Misore further highlighted the JOOTRH Mashinani Initiative, which is taking awareness, screening and follow-up services closer to communities while addressing stigma and linking affected families to care. The event also featured free genotype screening, enabling members of the public to know their sickle cell status.

One of the most moving testimonies came from Anne Akinyi, a 35-year-old sickle cell disease warrior and single mother of a 5-year-old daughter, who survived a stroke in 2024 affecting her right side and remains on regular follow-up, with her most recent blood transfusion last month. She continues to advocate for adherence to treatment, hydration, and consistent care.

Another warrior, Gibson Adams, spoke about the stigma, painful crises and financial burden associated with the condition and appealed for increased access to medication and support services.

Speaking during the event, Kisumu County Director for Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Fredrick Oluoch reiterated the county government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare through Universal Health Coverage and indigent support programmes, while encouraging residents to utilize available screening and treatment services.

The commemoration was supported by HEDSO, Maisha Medical Clinic, CONSA, Cancer Health Innovations Kenya, Geno Community Development Initiative, KEMRI’s Sickle Cell and Malaria Research Programme and other partners working to improve sickle cell care across the region. Also present were Dr. Menno Smit, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and collaborator with JOOTRH’s sickle cell programme, Dr. Bernard Awuonda, a Consultant Paediatrician and CONSA Kenya Lead, Dr. Marcia Obondi,Sub-County Medical Officer of Health, healthcare workers, community health promoters and sickle cell advocates.