Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), saying ongoing Taifa Care reforms are strengthening access to quality healthcare across the country.
Speaking during the national commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day 2026 at Bunyala TVET College in Budalangi, Busia County, Dr. Oluga said this year’s theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda by promoting equitable access to lifesaving services.
He noted that the four pillars of Taifa Care health financing, primary healthcare, digital health and health products and technologies are supporting improved care for SCD patients. As of 8 June 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, with 9.01 million accessing services through the Primary Health Care Fund and 4.4 million through the Social Health Insurance Fund.
Dr. Oluga said primary healthcare and digital health reforms are enhancing early diagnosis, continuity of care and disease surveillance, while plans are underway to establish a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry to improve planning and patient outcomes. He observed that an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually in Kenya, particularly in 17 high-burden counties, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis to reduce preventable deaths among affected children.
The Ministry has developed key policy frameworks to strengthen SCD prevention and management, while more than 7,000 infants have been screened and linked to care through Ministry-led and partner-supported programmes. In addition, over 800 healthcare workers, 700 Community Health Promoters and 215 Sickle Cell Champions have been trained to support service delivery and community awareness.
To improve access to specialised care, Dr. Oluga said the SHA benefit package now includes Red Blood Cell Exchange transfusion support of up to KES 70,000 annually for eligible patients. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines, diagnostics, hydroxyurea and safe blood products.
The Principal Secretary welcomed the launch of the IMARA Care Framework, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies aimed at expanding access to safe blood and advanced transfusion services for people living with SCD. He also commended Busia County for being among the first counties selected for the expansion of the PEN-Plus programme beyond the pilot phase, demonstrating the potential for decentralised specialised care.
The event brought together national and county government leaders, development partners, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and community representatives to advance awareness and action on sickle cell disease care and prevention.
