Health: Kisumu Signs Historic Deal to Become Africa's Sickle Cell Treatment Hub
Game-Changer: US-based Yunigen Pharmaceuticals will establish a $10M drug packaging plant in Kisumu, bringing life-saving sickle cell treatment closer to 2% of county residents affected by the disease.
In a landmark move for African healthcare, Kisumu County has partnered with Yunigen Pharmaceuticals to locally package and eventually manufacture sickle cell disease (SCD) medications - transforming the lakeside city into a continental hub for hematology treatment and research.
"This partnership will restore dignity to families burdened by sickle cell for generations. We're creating jobs while saving lives."
- Governor Anyang' Nyong'o
- Governor Anyang' Nyong'o
Immediate Benefits for Kisumu
- Newborn sickle cell screening in all public hospitals
- Affordable pediatric hydroxyurea formulations
- 200+ jobs in new Special Economic Zone plant
- Digital patient registry for better care
Victoria Annex: Now a World-Class Treatment Center
The revitalized Victoria Annex Hospital will offer:
- Cytapheresis therapy (blood filtration)
- Psychosocial support programs
- Nutritional counseling
- Future bone marrow transplant capability
"Kisumu will lead Africa in hematology research within 5 years. Our clinical trials will explore hydroxyurea-L-glutamine combinations."
- Dr. Charles Odhiambo, Yunigen Kenya CMO
- Dr. Charles Odhiambo, Yunigen Kenya CMO
Long-Term Vision
- Phase 1: Drug packaging (2024-2025)
- Phase 2: Local manufacturing (2026+)
- Export hub for 15 African nations
- Center of Excellence designation
- Medical tourism destination
- University research partnerships
Why This Matters
With 2% of Kisumu residents affected by SCD - mostly children - this initiative will:
- Reduce school absenteeism
- Cut treatment costs by 60%
- Extend life expectancy
- Position Kisumu as a medical innovation city
What impact will this have on healthcare in Western Kenya? Share your thoughts below!