The Kenya Haemophilia Association (KHA) is urging both national and county governments to step in and fund the treatment of haemophilia, a rare but serious genetic bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot. Speaking during this year’s World Haemophilia Day at Murang’a Level 5 Hospital, KHA board member James Kago expressed grave concern over the nation’s current reliance on international donations to care for its haemophilia patients. While global partners like the World Federation of Haemophilia and the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation have provided crucial support, Kago warned that this model is not sustainable. With donations beginning to dwindle, the country faces a potential healthcare crisis for patients living with haemophilia.
Haemophilia is a lifelong condition that can cause uncontrollable bleeding from even minor injuries. Without immediate and proper treatment, patients risk severe complications, long-term disability, or even death. The main treatment involves administering clotting factor concentrates—specialized proteins that help the blood clot normally. However, these medicines are expensive and out of reach for many families without external help. Kago revealed that over 1,000 haemophilia patients currently depend on the association’s support, but warned that Kenya is at risk of sliding back into outdated and unsafe treatment methods such as plasma and whole blood transfusions. He described this regression as a last resort, not legitimate care, underscoring the urgency of immediate government intervention.
According to Kago, haemophilia treatment in Kenya costs the country approximately Sh2 billion annually. Individual treatment costs are equally staggering. A single dose for a child can cost up to Sh50,000, while an adult may require doses worth as much as Sh300,000. These costs place an unbearable burden on affected families, many of whom must choose between treatment and other basic needs. While the government has taken positive steps, such as waiving taxes on haemophilia medication, Kago insists that more must be done. He emphasized the need for long-term, structured funding in the national health budget to ensure a consistent supply of essential medication and resources.
Beyond funding, Kago highlighted other critical needs in the haemophilia care ecosystem. These include training healthcare providers to properly diagnose and manage the disorder, particularly in emergency situations. Misdiagnosis or delays in treatment can have life-threatening consequences for haemophilia patients. Moreover, there is a growing concern for women with bleeding disorders who remain undiagnosed, especially those who experience prolonged menstruation. Kago urged the Ministry of Health to prioritize screening and diagnostic programs, which could dramatically improve quality of life and reduce preventable complications.
Judy Mwaura, the nurse in charge of the Murang’a haemophilia clinic, added her voice to the call for greater investment. She noted that many patients must travel long distances to receive care, a burden that deters some from seeking timely treatment. Mwaura advocated for the establishment of more haemophilia clinics across the country, especially in underserved regions. The Kenya Haemophilia Association has already supported the development of 25 treatment centers nationwide, but without reliable funding, their ability to maintain and expand services is at risk.
Ultimately, the KHA’s call to action is clear: without local government commitment, the progress made in haemophilia care could quickly unravel. For thousands of Kenyans living with this chronic disorder, the stakes are nothing less than life and death.
