Jaramogi hospital instals machine to boost sickle cell care

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital has taken a major step in strengthening sickle cell disease management with the installation of a modern apheresis machine.

This is a first for the Lake Region Economic Bloc and a milestone for public healthcare in Western Kenya. 

The equipment, acquired through a partnership between Konrad Science and Terumo, has been installed at the hospital’s Victoria Annex.

It brings specialised, life-saving services closer to patients, who for years were forced to seek care in distant facilities, often at great financial and emotional cost. 

The apheresis machine is designed to carry out therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and red blood cell exchange (RBC-X), procedures that are critical in managing severe sickle cell complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome. 

The technology works by removing damaged or sickled red blood cells and replacing them with healthy donor cells, significantly improving patient outcomes. 

Speaking during a specialised training session for clinicians, JOOTRH senior director of finance and administration Evans Oloo, who represented the hospital’s chief executive officer, described the development as a breakthrough for patients and families in the region. 

“This equipment represents hope for many who have endured long journeys and delays in accessing care,” Oloo said. 

“By bringing these services closer to the community, we are easing suffering, improving outcomes and strengthening equitable access to specialised healthcare.” 

To ensure safe and effective use of the technology, clinical teams at the Victoria Annex are undergoing intensive training. 

The sessions, led by Kevin Otieno from Conrad Science, focus on operating the machine and closely monitoring patients throughout the procedures. 

Victoria Annex director Dr Steven Ojuma said staff capacity building is central to the success of the new service. 

“Having the equipment alone is not enough,” he said.

“Our priority is to ensure our teams are fully skilled to use it safely and efficiently so that patients receive the highest standard of care.” 

The hospital reports the impact of the new service has already been felt. 

The first procedures were carried out successfully on September 1 last year and five patients have since undergone treatment with positive clinical results. 

JOOTRH is now only the second public hospital in Kenya to offer apheresis services, positioning it as a growing regional referral hub for advanced sickle cell care and other blood-related conditions.

By offering these services in-house, the hospital is significantly reducing referral expenses and emotional strain for families who previously had to travel far from home.

For thousands of sickle cell patients across Western Kenya and the wider lake region, the new machine marks a critical step toward more consistent, affordable and life-saving care.