By Nyang’au Araka
Each year, thousands of Kenyan children are born into a silent struggle that is marked by pain, stigma, and limited access to care.
Sickle cell, a genetic blood disorder, affects an estimated 14,000 newborns annually in Kenya.
Without timely intervention, up to 90% of these children may not live to see their fifth birthday, according to Dr. Prakash Saini of Nairobi West Hospital.
Now, there is hope because a new technology is available and can drastically reduce this burden.
“This is more than medicine—it’s hope,” says Dr. Saini.
He’s referring to the recent introduction of Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBCx) therapy, a cutting-edge procedure that replaces sickled cells with healthy donor cells, dramatically reducing complications.
The technology is aiding a quiet revolution in Kisumu County, one that’s rewriting the story of survival.
Dr. Joy Muyonga, a pediatrician at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), echoes the sentiment: “Newborn screening and RBCx therapy are game-changers.”
“We’re seeing children thrive where once there was despair.”
Joshua Okise, CEO of JOOTRH, is already looking ahead.
“Victoria Hospital is being transformed into a regional Sickle Cell and Hematology Centre,” he says.
“We’ve set aside KSh 100 million to make this vision a reality.”
From Vision to Victory
JOOTRH’s journey began with the Sickle Cell Zero Movement, a bold initiative launched under former CEO Dr. George Rae.
The movement rallied stakeholders, caregivers, and community champions including Mitchel Omullo, Lorraine Anyango, and the late Naomi Awuor—to reimagine sickle cell care.
Note: We separately carried Mitchel Omullo’s story. https://kisiipressclub.co.ke/2025/09/04/mitchels-breakthrough-offers-new-hope-for-sickle-cell-warriors/
Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Tumaini Sickle Cell Foundation, JOOTRH established psychosocial support groups and rolled out free newborn screening for up to 38,000 babies annually.
The introduction of RBCx therapy at Victoria Hospital, in collaboration with Nairobi West Hospital, now means patients no longer need to travel to Nairobi for advanced treatment.
This twist is exciting and gives hope to many, especially in Nyanza and Western Kenya.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, hailed JOOTRH’s pioneering role in conducting Kenya’s first RBCx procedure within public healthcare.
“This is a national milestone,” he said.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o placed the breakthrough in stark context: “In Nyanza and Western Kenya, 18% of children carry the sickle cell trait, and 4.5% develop the disease.”
“JOOTRH’s leadership is offering real hope and reducing suffering across generations.”
Editor’s Note: This story was originally written by Lorraine Anyango Opondo for Afya Yetu, a JOOTRH Cooperate Communication and Marketing Publication. September is sickle cell awareness month.