By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 2 June 2026 - Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is seeking strategic partnerships to strengthen diagnosis, treatment and research for sickle cell disease, haemophilia and blood cancers amid growing concern over the burden of blood disorders in Kenya.
The move comes as an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in the country every year, while thousands of people living with haemophilia remain undiagnosed and without access to specialised care.
Acting KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe on Tuesday hosted officials from the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Novo Nordisk Foundation to explore collaboration in patient care, research, training and skills development.
The meeting brought together National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital CEO and Kenya Haemophilia Association Executive Chairperson Dr Kibet Shikuku, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital representative Nick Faris, and Lloyd Mwaniki of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
According to KNH, the discussions focused on addressing gaps in early diagnosis and expanding access to comprehensive care for patients living with blood disorders.
Health experts estimate that more than 5,000 Kenyans are living with haemophilia, a hereditary bleeding disorder that impairs the body's ability to form blood clots. However, fewer than one-third of those affected have been formally diagnosed, raising concerns about delayed treatment and preventable complications.
Sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that causes abnormal red blood cells, remains a major public health challenge in Kenya. The condition can lead to severe pain episodes, anaemia, infections, stroke and organ damage if not properly managed.
Children born with sickle cell disease face an increased risk of illness and premature death, particularly in areas where screening and specialised treatment services are limited. Medical experts say early diagnosis through newborn screening and access to comprehensive care can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.
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Dr Lesiyampe said KNH was committed to expanding specialised haematology services for both children and adults.
“Our goal is not only to help patients survive, but to thrive," said Dr Lesiyampe.
He added that the hospital is working towards becoming a comprehensive centre of excellence for the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of sickle cell disease, haemophilia, blood cancers and other complex conditions.
“We are committed to advancing specialised haematology services and strengthening partnerships that will improve care, research, training and skills development for patients living with these conditions," he said.
The planned collaborations are expected to support capacity building for healthcare workers, enhance research efforts and improve access to specialised treatment for patients across the country.
The initiative comes as Kenya continues to strengthen services for non-communicable and genetic diseases, with health stakeholders calling for increased awareness, wider screening programmes and improved access to life-saving therapies.