#Lakewood #Kenya #Sickle Cell #Terumo Blood #JCRC

Kenya, Uganda, and Côte d'Ivoire Unite for Sickle Cell Care

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Ministries of Health from Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire, alongside the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) of Uganda, have signed three pivotal agreements with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT). This unprecedented alignment marks a significant step towards establishing coordinated national frameworks designed to address the challenges posed by sickle cell disease (SCD), one of Africa's most urgent yet often neglected public health concerns.

Approximately 7.74 million individuals worldwide suffer from sickle cell disease, with nearly 80% living in sub-Saharan Africa. Remarkably, up to 80% of infants born with the condition do not survive past their fifth birthday in certain regions, underlining the alarming mortality rates associated with this disease.

Common Action Frameworks

The signed agreements are aimed at the development and implementation of comprehensive disease management systems intended to strengthen national healthcare infrastructures while enhancing health outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. Each party brings unique strengths: the Ministry of Health contributes its expertise in healthcare infrastructure management and national policy roles, while the JCRC has a long-standing history as a publicly funded research and implementation center. Terumo BCT offers its proficiency in medical technologies to the table.

Key areas of collaboration identified include:

• - Increased Public Awareness: Helping to reduce stigma and promote early intervention, including timely diagnosis and effective management of the disease.
• - Capacity Building: Enhancing training for healthcare professionals and fortifying health facilities using advanced technologies.
• - Joint Research Initiatives: Conducting integrated research to inform care standards and strategies.
• - Health System Integration: Ensuring sickle cell disease is embedded into national healthcare systems for sustainable solutions.
• - Resource Mobilization: Securing necessary resources to guarantee adequate care.

Voices of Commitment

Antoinette Gawin, CEO of Terumo BCT, stated, "These partnerships are aimed at providing more individuals the care they deserve. By working closely with our national partners, we can strengthen blood supply, enhance sickle cell management, and build more resilient health systems."

Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Executive Director of JCRC, shared, "This is an action plan. By generating data, collecting evidence, and applying it at scale, we will finally change the destinies of millions of African families affected by sickle cell disease."

Furthermore, Professor Mamadou Samba, Director General of Health and Public Hygiene in Côte d'Ivoire, expressed, "Together with our African partners, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable disease management systems and affirming that sickle cell disease is no longer an invisible burden. The national frameworks establish the foundation for long-term results."

Strengthening Regional Presence

Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical importance of blood supply for essential clinical interventions. He explained that a reliable and safe blood supply is crucial for various medical situations, confirming that the agreements reflect a commitment to resilient care capable of saving children's lives and improving futures for individuals with sickle cell disease.

Eyong Ebai, Terumo BCT's General Manager for Africa, noted, "Our team in Africa is honored to work with public-private partners across the continent. Together, we can operationalize the goals of these agreements and build sustainable healthcare pathways for sickle cell disease in national health programs."

Ultimately, the collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, and Terumo BCT sends a strong message: sickle cell disease is a national priority, and establishing coordinated frameworks is the pathway towards achieving sustainable outcomes on the continent.