A proposed Sh129 million programme could give fresh support to sickle cell patients in three counties by improving early detection, referrals and access to continued care.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has welcomed the two-year Sickle Cell Disease Demonstration Project, which will also focus on strengthening the skills of frontline health workers and improving health data and coordination.
The initiative, valued at USD 1 million (Sh129 million), was among issues discussed when Duale held bilateral talks with Denmark's Ambassador to Kenya, Stephan Schønemann, and a Novo Nordisk delegation led by its Managing Director for Middle Africa, Jacob Mollerup.
“I welcomed the proposed two-year, USD 1 million (Sh129m) initiative in three counties, which will strengthen early diagnosis, referral and continuity of care, frontline capacity, data systems and coordination,” Duale said on Tuesday.
The Health CS said sickle cell disease remains a major challenge in 17 counties, with gaps still affecting screening, diagnosis and access to essential treatment and care.
Under the proposed programme, efforts will be directed towards improving screening and diagnostic services, availability of essential medicines, referral arrangements and the care given to patients.
Duale said the project must have strong government direction and be owned by the counties chosen to participate.
He proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide a clear framework for the programme, including its scope, funding, responsibilities of the institutions involved, management of data, safeguards, expected results and how the work will continue after the two-year period.
“To ensure a Government-led and county-owned programme, I proposed an MoU defining the scope, financing, institutional roles, data governance, safeguards, deliverables and sustainability,” he said.
The agreement would also set out what each institution involved in the project will be responsible for while providing safeguards to guide implementation.
It is expected to help ensure that improvements made during the demonstration phase can be maintained after the initial two years of the programme.
Duale said the technical details of the project will be developed through the national working group, with counties and people directly affected by sickle cell disease taking part in the process.
“Technical co-design will proceed through the national working group, with meaningful participation from counties, people living with sickle cell disease and caregivers,” he said.
The choice of the three counties will take into account the number of people affected by sickle cell disease, weaknesses in existing health services and whether the counties are ready to implement the programme.
Geographical balance will also be considered, alongside the willingness of county governments to commit to the project.
Implementation is expected to make use of primary healthcare networks as well as national health information systems.
The proposed partnership also falls under Sustainable Development Goal 17, which calls for partnerships in support of sustainable development.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that needs to be identified early and managed through continuous care to help deal with complications and improve the lives of those affected.
Duale was joined at the meeting by Ministry of Health Director for Family Health Dr Bashir Issak and Head of the Division of Non-communicable Diseases Dr Gladwell Gathecha, together with other ministry officials.
The Novo Nordisk team also included Associate Vice President for Business Area Africa, Malika de Maillard.
The government and other stakeholders are expected to hold more technical discussions before agreeing on the framework that will guide the implementation of the proposed project.