Kenya pushes universal infant screening as 14,000 children born with sickle cell disease yearly
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1-Kenya is stepping up efforts to detect sickle cell disease in infants as the government seeks to close gaps in diagnosis and treatment for an estimated 250,000…
Nairobi, Kenya witnessed a significant step forward in the fight against sickle cell disease on September 1, as the government announced a push for universal infant screening. With an estimated 250,000 people currently living with the condition, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized the importance of early detection and comprehensive care.
Approximately 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Kenya annually. During the opening of the Global Sickle Cell Disease Conference, Duale highlighted the government's commitment to expanding screening programs, improving treatment access, and strengthening referral systems. The conference, organized by the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Sickle Cell Federation of Kenya, gathered stakeholders to evaluate current progress and identify gaps in care.
Duale called for the elimination of disparities in access to quality care based on a child's place of birth or family's financial situation. Sickle cell screening has been integrated into Kenya's maternal and child health programs following the 2023 policy, with implementation currently underway in 10 counties, benefiting over 8,000 infants.
The government is also investing in initiatives like the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital Centre of Excellence, PEN-Plus, and KETAN Care to enhance the health system's capacity to identify and manage the disease. Over 1,000 health workers and 700 Community Health Promoters have received training to support early diagnosis and treatment continuity.
The conference, themed "Global Standards, Local Impact: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Across Systems and Communities," aimed to promote global best practices while addressing the specific needs of Kenya's communities. Duale stressed that the ultimate goal was to ensure people living with sickle cell disease could lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives throughout the country.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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