In a significant boost to healthcare delivery for patients living with sickle cell disease and other blood-related conditions, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has secured the installation of the Reveos Automated Blood Component Processing Equipment, an advanced system that will revolutionize blood processing and transfusion services in the region.
The acquisition follows a placement agreement between JOOTRH and Konrad Science Limited, the authorized distributor of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Kenya.
The partnership will see the hospital receive the Reveos system along with essential start-up reagents, standard accessories, a dedicated Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and comprehensive staff training to ensure optimal operation.
Once operational, the state-of-the-art technology will automate the separation of whole blood into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, a process traditionally done manually and often prone to variability. Automation will not only improve efficiency and consistency but also enhance safety and quality in blood component preparation.
“This marks a major step forward in how we handle blood and blood components. It’s a breakthrough for patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Joshua Okise, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, during the signing ceremony.
The new system is expected to strengthen the hospital’s blood bank services, a critical support pillar for emergency care, oncology, maternal health and surgical services. But for the growing population of sickle cell warriors in western Kenya, it could be life-changing.
Sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder, remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among children and young adults in the region.
Many patients require frequent transfusions to manage anemia, prevent organ damage and improve their overall quality of life. However, delays in obtaining properly matched and processed blood components have long been a challenge.
“With this technology, we are moving toward safer, faster and more reliable transfusion support for our patients,” noted Dr. Stephen Ojuma, Director of the Victoria Annex, who co-signed the agreement. “It will significantly improve our ability to provide red cell exchange, plasma transfusion and platelet therapy right here in Kisumu.”
The advancement aligns with the national strategy to decentralize specialized healthcare services and reduce the burden on Nairobi-based facilities. JOOTRH, which serves as a key referral center for 10 counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, has been steadily positioning itself as a center of excellence in blood services and hematology care.
Experts say the installation of the Reveos system will not only improve clinical outcomes but also open doors for research and innovation in transfusion medicine, particularly in understanding the transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Victoria Annex and JOOTRH’s Legal Advisor, Mariela Awuor, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in advancing healthcare infrastructure.
As the hospital prepares for the commissioning of the new system, the mood among medical professionals and patients alike is one of optimism. The move symbolizes a transition toward a more technology-driven, patient-centered model of care, one that offers hope to thousands battling sickle cell disease in the region.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child, every patient with sickle cell disease, receives timely and high-quality blood care,” Dr. Okise emphasized. “With this investment, we are closing the gap between need and access.”
According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease every year in Kenya, with the highest prevalence recorded in the western, coastal and Nyanza regions.
The disease is characterized by the production of abnormally shaped red blood cells that can block blood flow, causing severe pain, infections and organ complications.
In Kisumu and surrounding counties, the burden remains particularly high due to genetic and environmental factors.
Many families face recurrent hospital visits, high treatment costs, and limited access to specialized care, challenges compounded by stigma and low public awareness.
Over the past decade, JOOTRH has emerged as a leading referral facility in the management of the condition, offering laboratory diagnostics, regular transfusion support and counseling services.
The hospital has also been part of national sickle cell awareness campaigns and collaborative programs aimed at strengthening screening and early intervention for affected children.
The introduction of the Reveos Automated System is now seen as the next frontier in this journey, enhancing both the availability and safety of blood components critical to managing the disease.
