The government has unveiled new measures to strengthen the management of sickle cell disease through the Taifa Care programme, with plans to expand screening, improve access to treatment and integrate specialised care into Kenya’s universal health coverage framework.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the initiative during this year’s World Sickle Cell Day commemorations, saying the reforms are aimed at ensuring patients receive timely diagnosis, affordable treatment and continuous medical care through the Taifa Care health financing system.

Duale said the Ministry of Health is working to strengthen newborn screening, improve the availability of essential medicines and enhance specialised services for people living with the inherited blood disorder. He added that the government will also work with county governments to improve access to sickle cell services at public health facilities.

The reforms are part of the government’s broader health agenda under Taifa Care, which seeks to reduce financial barriers to healthcare while expanding access to quality medical services for chronic and lifelong conditions.

According to the Ministry of Health, sickle cell disease remains a significant public health concern in Kenya, particularly in regions where the sickle cell trait is more prevalent. The condition affects the shape and function of red blood cells, often leading to severe pain episodes, anaemia, recurrent infections and other life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Health experts maintain that early diagnosis, routine medical follow-up and timely treatment significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for people living with the disease. For this reason, the government says expanding newborn screening and integrating sickle cell services into routine healthcare will be central to the success of the reforms.

The Ministry also pledged to strengthen public awareness campaigns to encourage early testing, especially among families with a history of the condition, while supporting healthcare workers through improved capacity building and disease management programmes.

The announcement reinforces the government’s commitment to expanding preventive and specialised healthcare under Taifa Care, with officials saying improved access to diagnosis and treatment is critical to reducing the long-term impact of sickle cell disease on patients, families and the health system.