National Guidelines in Sickle Cell Disease Management Launched

July 29, 2021

Nairobi, Kenya

The Ministry of Health during the Launch of the National Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease Management on July 29, 2021, at Crowne Plaza, Nairobi, recognized that persons living with Non-Communicable Diseases (PLWNCDs), including sickle cell disease who get infected with COVID-19, have high rates of severe disease and complications. Furthermore, the Ministry has developed an Interim Guidance on Provision of Services for Non-Communicable Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic and issued an advisory to counties and other healthcare providers on sustaining sickle cell disease and other NCD care given the vulnerabilities of PLWNCDs.

The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, estimates that 6,000 children are born with Sickle Cell Disease every year in Kenya, and due to the absence of routine newborn screening and appropriate treatment, 50% of those born with the condition die undiagnosed before their 5th birthday in Sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is common across Kenya with a high disease burden in Western, Nyanza, and Coastal regions.

The guidelines shall provide innovative and evidence-based approaches for managing Sickle Cell disease as they provide a guide on the continuum of care required throughout the life course of these patients.