Kenya spells out new strategies to fight against sickle cell disease

The Kenyan ministry of health will implement a raft of funding and biomedical interventions aimed at reducing the burden of sickle cell disorders in the country, officials said on Friday.

Cabinet Secretary for health, Cleopa Mailu said investments in diagnostic infrastructure, public education; comprehensive care and treatment programs are in the works to help combat disorders affecting red blood cells.

"In Kenya, the burden of sickle cell disease remains high with a national prevalence estimated at 15 percent. It is for this reason the government has prioritized investments in prevention and treatment of this disease," Mailu said in Nairobi during an event to mark World Sickle Cell Day

Kenya is among African countries with a high burden of sickle cell disorders that are largely inherited but are more pronounced in regions where malaria is endemic.

According to the ministry of health, two out of ten newborns in Kenya have sickle cell disorder while 70 percent of them succumb to it before their fifth birthday.

The CS noted that western Kenya and the coast regions have the largest population suffering from sickle cell anemia due to high incidents of malaria.

He added the disease is spreading quickly in other regions due to migration and climatic shocks that fuel malaria.

"Health consequences of sickle cell disease are grave and includes recurrent pain, organ damage and impaired psychosocial development," said Mailu.

He said the non communicable diseases strategic plan launched by the ministry of health in 2015 provides a roadmap for combating sickle cell disease with fresh vitality.

Mailu disclosed the ministry of health is developing guidelines for management of sickle cell disorder alongside intensifying public awareness in high burden counties.

"We shall endeavor to strengthen prevention programs for genetic screening and counseling, neonatal screening, early diagnosis alongside treatment and referral to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease," Mailu said.

He added that robust private public partnerships have been prioritized to strengthen surveillance and research on sickle cell disease.

The World Sickle Cell day was designated by the UN general assembly on June 19th 2008 to raise awareness on the gravity of a disorder that is pronounced in the tropics.

Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that 80 percent of children born with sickle cell disease are in Africa.

Acting WHO Representative in Kenya, Nathan Bakyaita said that enhanced surveillance, testing, treatment and health education are key to minimize the burden of sickle cell disease in the country. Endit