#Kenya #Nairobi #sickle cell disease #Terumo BCT #Uganda JCRC

New Collaboration for Sickle Cell Care

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministries of Health in Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire, in collaboration with Uganda's Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), have entered into a partnership with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) to create a coordinated national framework for sickle cell care. This historic moment represents a fierce commitment to address sickle cell disease (SCD) across these three nations.

Addressing a Critical Health Issue

Sickle cell disease is one of the most pressing public health challenges in Africa, affecting around 7.74 million individuals globally, with a staggering 80% of cases found in sub-Saharan Africa. Alarmingly, many infants born with SCD in Africa face a dire future, with estimates indicating that between 50% and 80% succumb to the disease before their fifth birthday. This level of child mortality is unacceptable, necessitating immediate and sustained intervention.

Frameworks for Action

Under the newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the involved parties have outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat SCD. This strategy will capitalize on the unique strengths of each partner: the Ministries of Health will oversee healthcare infrastructure and policy formulation; the JCRC will leverage its expertise in research; and Terumo BCT will utilize its advanced medical technologies to further enhance care strategies. The collaboration outlines several vital areas of focus, including:

• - Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives aimed at increasing public understanding to combat stigma and promote early intervention through timely diagnosis and effective management of SCD.
• - Capacity Building: Strengthening healthcare facilities and training staff in new methodologies and technologies.
• - Joint Research: Collaborative research efforts to inform care strategies tailored to the regional context.
• - Integration into National Health Systems: Seamless incorporation of SCD care into established health systems to ensure sustainability.
• - Resource Mobilization: Securing essential resources to reinforce disease management.

Voices of Impact

Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo BCT, emphasized the importance of these partnerships by stating, "These partnerships are about providing more people the care they deserve." Her words signaled a commitment to building a robust health system capable of delivering lifesaving interventions.

Experts from Uganda's JCRC also expressed a positive outlook, with Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza labeling this initiative as a "blueprint for action" that will generate crucial data to drive evidence-based changes in SCD management.

Professor Mamadou SAMBA, Director General of Health in Côte d'Ivoire, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the frameworks established will tackle the long-overlooked burden of sickle cell disease, making it a national priority.

Dr. Ouma Oluga, from Kenya's Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical role that blood supply plays in health systems, stating, "An adequate and safe blood supply is indispensable" not just for SCD management but for various medical interventions.

A Sustainable Future

This partnership marks a significant turning point in addressing SCD in Africa and highlights Terumo BCT's commitment to the continent. With a regional presence established since 2018, the company has cultivated a team that understands the local context of health challenges, ensuring solutions are tailored to the needs of the communities they serve.

The collaboration between these nations and Terumo BCT sends a vital message: tackling sickle cell disease is not just a medical necessity, but a unified priority that will lead to lasting change and improve outcomes for millions living with this condition. This initiative is a vital step toward a future where sickle cell disease is no longer an invisible burden, but a manageable condition through enhanced care and National frameworks.

Conclusion

As the signatories embark on this transformative journey, the hope is that this unified approach will not only diminish the rates of SCD-related child mortality but also elevate the overall standards of care available for affected individuals across Kenya, Uganda, and Côte d'Ivoire. The time has come to prioritize sickle cell care, and through dedicated collaboration, positive change is on the horizon.