The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease through ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
Speaking at the Kenya Sickle Cell Disease Symposium 2026 held at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, said the Government is implementing reforms in health financing, digital health, health workforce development and health commodity security to improve access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
He noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is reducing financial barriers to care, while investments in digital health systems, workforce development and reliable access to essential medicines are enhancing service delivery across the country.
Dr. Oluga said the Social Health Insurance Fund provides an opportunity to integrate comprehensive sickle cell services across the continuum of care, including newborn screening, early diagnosis, chronic disease management, specialist referral services and advanced therapies for eligible patients.
He added that the reforms will reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare costs, ensuring that no Kenyan is pushed into poverty because of sickle cell disease.
The Principal Secretary further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding newborn screening programmes and strengthening collaboration with county governments, development partners and patient organisations to improve access to quality, affordable and dignified care for people living with sickle cell disease.
Among those in attendance were Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Nyaranga, President of the American Society of Hematology Dr. Robert Negrin, Sickle Cell Federation of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Ms. Emily Gumba, representatives from county governments, development partners and other stakeholders.
