Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga addresses county health chief officers during a visit to JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital in Kisumu/HANDOUTPrincipal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga on Friday led Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties on a visit to the JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital (Sickle Cell and Surgical Centre) in Kisumu County.
The visit formed part of an ongoing consultative meeting on Universal Health Coverage reforms.
The tour allowed county health leaders to assess ongoing investments in specialised healthcare services. It also highlighted innovative interventions aimed at improving the management of Sickle Cell Disease and other complex medical conditions within the public health system.
A key highlight of the visit was the Red Blood Cell Exchange programme established at the facility. The programme is a result of a strategic partnership between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.
Through this collaboration, JOOTRH became the first public hospital in Kenya to deploy the Spectra Optia Apheresis System. It also established a dedicated Red Blood Cell Exchange service for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease.
The programme has expanded access to advanced treatment for Sickle Cell Disease patients across Western Kenya and the Lake Region. It is aimed at reducing complications such as stroke, recurrent painful crises and organ damage. It also supports improved quality of life and better long-term health outcomes for patients.
During the visit, participants heard a testimony from Michelle, a Sickle Cell Disease patient and beneficiary of specialised care services.
She shared her personal experience of resilience and hope. Her account underscored the importance of timely access to quality treatment. It also highlighted the impact of specialised interventions on patients living with the condition.
The testimony was presented as part of efforts to demonstrate how advanced care is improving patient outcomes. It also served as encouragement to other patients awaiting procedures within the system.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Oluga commended Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies for its contribution to strengthening specialised healthcare services.
He cited support in technology transfer, clinical training, capacity building and technical assistance. This support has enabled local healthcare professionals to independently deliver advanced therapeutic apheresis procedures.
The partnership has gone beyond equipment deployment. It has supported training of physicians, nurses and operators in therapeutic apheresis and Red Blood Cell Exchange procedures. It has also strengthened patient care systems, treatment protocols and operational frameworks. This is aimed at building sustainable local expertise within the public health sector.
The collaboration has positioned JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital as a regional centre of excellence for Sickle Cell Disease management and advanced blood and cell therapies. It has reduced the need for patient referrals outside the region. It has also improved access to timely and life-saving care for patients from across Western Kenya and surrounding areas.
The visit also formed part of preparations for World Sickle Cell Day 2026, which will be marked on June 19 in Busia County. The commemoration will bring together the Ministry of Health, county governments, healthcare professionals, patient organisations, development partners and people living with Sickle Cell Disease. The focus will be on raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and strengthening access to quality care and treatment services.
Dr Oluga reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships. He said the goal is to expand access to specialised healthcare technologies, strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes. He also emphasised efforts to accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Present during the visit were JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Joshua Okise, Dr Kevin Osuri, Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Caucus, and Eric Mwenda, Regional Director at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Also present were county Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties, Sickle Cell patients and senior Ministry of Health officials.
