Kenya, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire have entered into a significant partnership with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies to develop national frameworks for addressing sickle cell disease (SCD). This collaboration aims to tackle one of the most pressing public health challenges in Africa, where SCD accounts for a high rate of child mortality.
The agreement, formalized through three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), is designed to strengthen healthcare systems and improve the quality of life for individuals with SCD. The disease affects approximately 7.74 million people globally, with nearly 80% of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. In some regions, between 50% and 80% of infants born with SCD do not survive past their fifth birthday.
The MoUs outline a framework for collaboration that includes increasing public awareness, enhancing healthcare training, conducting joint research, and integrating SCD management into national health systems. The partnership brings together the strengths of the Health Ministries of the three countries, Uganda’s Joint Clinical Research Centre, and Terumo BCT’s medical technology expertise.
Terumo BCT’s President and CEO, Antoinette Gawin, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in delivering essential care. Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza from Uganda’s JCRC stated that the initiative serves as a blueprint for enhancing health outcomes for families affected by the disease.
This collaboration is seen as a vital step towards making sickle cell disease a national health priority, with a commitment to create a durable management system and ensure that it receives the attention it deserves.
The primary source was PR Newswire.