New technology improves survival prospects for sickle cell patients

For many families in Kisumu County, the birth of a child brings both joy and fear. For those whose children are diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD), every day becomes a struggle against a silent, life-threatening condition that affects millions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Yet, a glimmer of hope has emerged with the commissioning of the Spectra Optia Apheresis Machine at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), permanently installed at the Victoria Annex.

The system, installed through a partnership between Conrad Science and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (BCT), is capable of performing up to 11 different procedures beyond red cell exchange.

These include therapeutic plasma exchange, platelet collection, stem cell collection, bone marrow processing and cell depletion therapies. Kevin Otieno of Conrad Science emphasised that the machine will ensure both the technology and the skills required to operate it are available at JOOTRH.

“We have introduced one of its key capabilities: red cell exchange for sickle cell patients. Beyond that, we will expand its use to therapeutic plasma exchange, platelet collection for oncology patients, stem cell collection and bone marrow processing. Over time, we can even begin autologous transplants and specialised depletion procedures for patients with complex haematological needs,” says Otieno.

According to Dr Thadeous Masawa, a consultant pathologist at JOOTRH, since red blood cells live for about 120 days, patients undergoing this treatment will need to repeat the procedure every three to four months. The goal is to improve quality of life, reduce pain crises and enable patients to lead productive lives.

“This process is supported by our blood transfusion unit, ensuring that high-quality blood is available for patients. We have also acquired a screening machine to test blood biochemically, further safeguarding patient health. This milestone would not have been possible without the energy and vision of our new CEO and the dedication of our clinical and laboratory teams,” Dr Masawa added.

Dr Brenda Misore, a paediatric haematologist and oncologist at JOOTRH, emphasised the intervention’s impact on children.

“We treat both adults and children, but sickle cell disease is particularly prevalent among the paediatric population. Many complications seen in adulthood begin in childhood. The goal of red cell exchange transfusion is to prevent these complications early, allowing children to grow, develop and live healthy lives,” she said.

Reduce risks

“Manual chronic transfusions come with complications, such as iron overload. Automated exchange transfusions, as facilitated by the Spectra Optia machine, help protect children from these risks. Last year, in partnership with Nairobi West Hospital, we conducted eight automated red cell transfusions. With this permanent machine, we can perform more procedures, respond to emergencies promptly and serve a larger patient population,” she added.

The statistics are sobering. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually in Kenya, while globally, more than 300,000 children are affected.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, between 50 and 90 per cent of affected children die undiagnosed before their fifth birthday, largely due to lack of routine screening and timely treatment.

Kisumu County, situated in the malaria-prone Lake Victoria region, is among the hardest-hit areas. Local health data shows that about 1,500 children are born with sickle cell disease annually, roughly three to four in every 100 newborns. Alarmingly, approximately 30 per cent of Kisumu’s population carries the sickle cell gene.

Dr Steven Ojuma, Director of Victoria Annex Hospital, said: “Sickle cell disease touches almost every family in this region. This is the first public facility in Kenya to have this technology permanently installed. Our team is trained, the equipment is in place, and we are confident we can deliver quality services to our community.”

“Currently, we have the capacity to screen children from birth. In our facility, about one in every five children is born with the sickle cell trait. Early screening allows timely intervention, significantly reducing mortality rates. Over the past four years, of the 500 patients we followed from birth, only 11 died, a mortality rate of 2.2 per cent, compared to historical rates of 50 to 80 per cent,” he added.

JOOTRH CEO Dr Clinton Okise said public-private collaboration made the installation possible. “This journey began with a clear mission to reduce uncertainty for sickle cell patients. Initially, procedures were conducted in private hospitals, creating access and affordability challenges for families from low-income backgrounds. Now, with the Spectra Optia machine at Victoria Annex, we ensure seamless processes, availability of consumables and long-term sustainability of services,” he said.

The sustainability plan includes cost-benefit analyses, five years of technical support from Terumo BCT and continuous staff capacity building.

“We have trained our staff thoroughly to guarantee smooth and effective procedures. Financially, the arrangement allows for timely purchase of consumables, maintenance and electricity, ensuring uninterrupted services. Should demand increase, we are prepared to introduce a second machine,” Dr Okise explained.

Sickle cell warriors themselves are optimistic. Michelle Omulo, 32, from Kisumu, recalls a lifetime of challenges.

The diagnosis

“I was diagnosed at Kenyatta National Hospital when I was three. My mother was not shocked; she had seen my late aunt live with sickle cell, though she did not fully understand the genetics. Treatment options were limited then, hydroxyurea was unavailable. I relied on folic acid and Paludrine. Life has been far from easy. In high school, I attended a day school so my health could be closely monitored. I suffered frequent crises and a mild stroke in 2010, which left me with a limp,” Michelle shares.

“ Stigma followed me from school into the workplace. I am a filmmaker and have faced rejection on film sets because of how I walk. I made a short film, Genotype, available on my YouTube channel, Victoria Youth and Film Empowerment,” she says.

“Many of us require daily medication, yet employers and policymakers often do not understand our condition. Government support is vital. I have not had a major crisis in nearly three years. Consistent medication and avoiding stress are key. To fellow warriors: do not lose hope,” she urges.

The Spectra Optia machine uses apheresis technology to remove sickled red blood cells and replace them with healthy ones, reducing sickled cells from nearly 100 per cent to below 30 per cent. This allows patients to remain largely symptom-free, though procedures must be repeated every three to four months.

“This technology is a game-changer. Previously, patients waited for machines from Nairobi or private hospitals. Now, we can treat patients promptly and reduce complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome. Costs per session, once as high as Sh120,000, are expected to decline,” Michelle explains.

Dr Dickens Lubanga, a paediatrician at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, says nearly 1,000 children in Bungoma live with sickle cell anaemia.

“Access to hydroxyurea and specialist care remains limited, especially in rural areas. SHA coverage for outpatient medication is inadequate. This machine, alongside newborn screening and outreach, can significantly reduce these barriers,” he says, adding that patients from Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia will benefit.

Kisumu County has made strides through specialised centres, partnerships for affordable medication and expanded newborn screening. However, the burden remains heavy.

WHO estimates that sickle cell disease affects nearly 100 million people globally, with over 70 per cent of affected births in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Spectra Optia Apheresis Machine represents hope, resilience and progress. Its installation at Victoria Annex Hospital ensures timely care, reduces complications and empowers families to envision healthier futures.

For Michelle, the change is profound. “Before, we lived with uncertainty. Now, we have access to specialised care close to home. It is a new dawn for sickle cell patients in Western Kenya.”

As the machine hums to life, it symbolises more than medical progress, it reflects hope, survival and the transformative power of innovation and collaboration.