Kenya has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to make sickle cell screening mandatory during routine maternal and child health visits. This decision, which was announced during a high-level event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly in Africa.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, who represented President Dr. William Ruto, delivered the announcement. He passionately highlighted the pressing need for action on sickle cell disease, which continues to cause widespread suffering and preventable deaths across Africa. In Kenya alone, an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease each year, and nearly 90% of these children die before the age of five. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of comprehensive interventions.
Dr. Oluga stressed that sickle cell disease has been historically neglected, with many families facing severe financial burdens to access the necessary care. He emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention, as timely medical care can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected. Kenya’s recent progress in addressing sickle cell disease includes the establishment of national guidelines for prevention and management, alongside the introduction of policy guidelines for infant screening. These initiatives aim to ensure that no child is left behind and that sickle cell disease is detected early to facilitate life-saving interventions.
The Kenyan government has also recognized the financial barriers to care that many families face. In response, Dr. Oluga outlined the creation of three new health funds to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for sickle cell patients. These funds—the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund—are designed to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring that individuals living with sickle cell disease receive the care they need without financial strain.
This announcement, made during a meeting organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), brought together global health leaders, ministers, and policymakers committed to improving the health outcomes of those living with sickle cell disease. Kenya’s leadership in promoting mandatory screening sets a powerful example for the continent, signaling a concerted effort to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease and save lives.