Kenya Boosts Sickle Cell Fight Before 2026 Conference

The Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to address Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a significantly under-recognized public health challenge in Kenya. Key initiatives underway include revising clinical guidelines, expanding newborn screening programs, and establishing a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry.

Approximately 14,000 children are born with SCD in Kenya each year, a lifelong condition requiring timely diagnosis, continuous care, and access to essential treatments.

Clinical Guideline Revisions and Newborn Screening

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling SCD, stating, “The burden of sickle cell disease is real, but so is our resolve.” He highlighted the importance of revising clinical guidelines, expanding newborn screening, and collaborating with global experts to improve outcomes for children born with SCD. The initiatives are being implemented as part of Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and have been incorporated into the national health financing framework under the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring access to diagnostics, essential medicines, and blood transfusion services while protecting families from high healthcare costs.

During a bilateral engagement with Issa Abrahim Ali, Chairperson of the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organisations (GASCDO), and partners from the Sickle Cell Federation of Kenya, the ministry outlined its plans.

Community Health Promoter and Healthcare Worker Training

Efforts to strengthen early detection are underway, with 107,000 community health promoters trained using standardized SCD modules, particularly in high-burden areas such as Nyanza, Western Kenya, and the Coast. Over 800 healthcare workers have also received specialized training, with plans for expanded mentorship and knowledge exchange in collaboration with GASCDO.

Supply Chain and Conference Interest

The ministry is also addressing supply chain challenges to ensure consistent access to essential medicines like hydroxyurea and penicillin across the country. Kenya has expressed strong interest in hosting the 3rd Global Sickle Cell Conference in May 2026, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase African perspectives and promote South–South collaboration in improving care worldwide.

Global Guidelines Inform Kenya’s Approach

Current clinical guidelines for SCD are informed by global recommendations, professional society guidance, and national policies. In June 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its first global guideline specifically addressing SCD management during pregnancy.

The guideline includes over 20 evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes for women with SCD and their babies, particularly in high-burden, low- and middle-income settings. Key interventions include folic acid and iron supplementation, management of pain crises, infection prevention, prophylactic blood transfusions, and enhanced maternal and foetal monitoring.

WHO Recommendations for Pregnancy Management

The WHO guideline recommends folic acid supplementation, adjusted in malaria-endemic regions, and iron supplementation only in cases of confirmed deficiency. Prophylactic blood transfusions are recommended for women with severe crises or prior benefit, with careful monitoring. Other recommendations include tailored pain management, fluid management, thromboprophylaxis when clinically indicated, regular fetal monitoring, and addressing stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and further research on SCD treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding.