Oluga, Terumo BCT discuss plans to strengthen sickle cell disease care

The meeting focused on strengthening the country's response to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through improved access to early diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.

Discussions centred on expanding newborn screening programmes, building healthcare worker capacity, increasing access to essential treatment, and advancing plans for a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry to support evidence-based planning and better patient outcomes.

This year's World Sickle Cell Day was observed under the theme "Close the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease," with the meeting underscoring the need to ensure every child born with the condition has an equal opportunity to access quality care, regardless of where they live.

Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to working with partners to strengthen specialised SCD care services.

He noted that sustained investment in prevention, early detection, treatment and workforce development remains critical to improving outcomes for patients and their families.