Retold by KPC Reporter
Mitchel Omullo didn’t just walk into Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH)—she walked into history.
At 32, she’s a filmmaker, a chef, a disability inclusion facilitator, and now, the first patient in Kenya’s public health system to undergo an automated red blood cell exchange transfusion.
But before this milestone, Omullo had spent nearly three decades navigating the brutal terrain of sickle cell disease: childhood crises, two mild strokes, and the constant shadow of uncertainty.
Her body had endured. Her spirit had persisted. But on this day, science met resilience.
The procedure, guided by ultrasound, powered by apheresis technology, and fueled by ten units of donor blood took less than two hours.
Yet its impact could last up to five years.
Omullo emerged not just relieved, but reborn.
“A gamechanger for warriors,” she called it.
And she would know she’s spent years amplifying the voices of those like her through the West Kenya Sickle Cell Organisation and Victoria Youth in Film Empowerment.
As Omullo recovered, others watched with hope flickering in their eyes.
“I feel this new machine will reduce the number of crises we face. I’m excited and grateful to be the first patient, and Ibelieve it will give us a chance to livemore normal lives,” she said.
William Otunga, a clinical officer and fellow warrior, had endured five crises in the past year.
For him, the machine wasn’t just metal and wires; it was a lifeline.
Margaret Ochieng’, whose daughter Teresa has battled sickle cell since age four, saw in Omullo’s triumph a glimpse of her own child’s future.
“I will do everything to get her into this program,” she said, her voice trembling with resolve.
Behind the scenes, Dr. Masawa Thaddeus, a clinical pathologist at JOOTRH, explained the science: red cell exchange therapy is a powerful intervention for patients with recurrent crises, strokes, or chronic leg ulcers.
With two machines and a steady blood supply, the hospital can treat up to six patients daily.
Their goal is not just survival but liberation of patients from pain.
Editor’s Note: This story was originally written by Sherine Atieno. It was was extracted from Afya Yetu, a JOOTRH Cooperate Communication and Marketing Publication. This year’s events promise not only to amplify the voices of those affected but also to rally fresh support, fresh hope, and fresh commitment in the fight against sickle cell.