Child Thrive Kenya

Child Thrive coalition partner, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in western Kenya, is focused on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for children with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes excruciating chronic pain, organ damage, and life-threatening complications. Children with sickle cell disease are frequently hospitalized and often experience social isolation – missing out on school, time with family & friends, and other typical childhood experiences. Families struggle emotionally, financially, and logistically to care for their sick children.

Roughly 2 – 3% of children in western Kenya have sickle cell disease. Tragically, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in a staggering 50 – 90% of children with the disease dying before their fifth birthday.

Led by pediatric hematologist and oncologist, Dr. Festus Njuguna, the Child Thrive Kenya program helps provide medical diagnosis & treatment, healthcare worker training, and educational support for disease management and school progression.

The data gathered through our work will be also shared with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to better understand the burden of disease and enact national changes to benefit those living with sickle cell disease.