Kisumu County, jointly with its partners, is pleased to announce an International Conference on Sickle Cell (SCD) and Hemophilia Disease, which will be convened in Kisumu from June 12th to 14th, 2024. This scientific SCDHC 2024 is being organized jointly with Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO), International Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), among other partners.

It is of paramount importance that we share knowledge and experience while strengthening links between communities affected by sickle cell disease. The conference will focus on transforming the landscape of Sickle Cell and Hemophilia Disease. It will address progress, challenges, and future resolutions regarding the two conditions. The conference brings together stakeholders including warriors, university professors, medical doctors, researchers/biologists, policymakers, students (MS, PhD, Post-Doc), engineers, technicians, nurses, psychologists, politicians, NGOs, as well as interested parties.

Sickle cell disease is one of the world's most prevalent genetic diseases. Major advances have been made in understanding the disease, paving the way for new and effective treatments. Neonatal screening is developing in many countries, resulting in early prevention of infections and improved parental education. New preventive treatments for vaso-occlusive crises and chronic anaemia are now available. In Kisumu, 32 out of 100 children born annually have SCD. This causes a significant burden on caregivers and families, leading to both productivity and financial losses.

Kisumu County has been undertaking newborn screening for the last two years at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). This has been a notable step in the effort towards the management of sickle cell. Data from several hospitals in Kisumu shows that on average a sickle cell client suffers 5 episodes of crises annually, and 5-10 days of hospitalization per episode have a significant impact on the caregivers and family.

Though Hydroxyurea has proven clinical efficacy in preventing pain and vaso-occlusive events, a cure for the disease is now possible thanks to hematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy. Nevertheless, life expectancy and quality of life remain significantly degraded for the majority of patients. Access to safe transfusion and hydroxyurea is still limited in many countries. Education must be intensified, and psychological and social support is needed.

The International conference in Kisumu will feature high-level scientific presentations, combined with patient testimonies and workshops. Some of the conversations already slated include the experience that JOOTRH has had with neonatal screening for the last two years, bone marrow transplant in a case of Nairobi West Hospital, SCD, and reproductive health, policy and public health in SCD, and the prevalence of depression amongst teenage warriors.

In recognition of the changing landscape for the management of Hemoglobinopathies, we are fully aware that these new developments bring with them complex issues in decision-making for patients and their families and the challenge of access to therapies. It is, therefore, necessary to provide a platform for service providers, service users, and policymakers to engage in honest discussion to develop strategies for efficient and effective interventions worldwide. Our constituency is every patient everywhere and, in all circumstances, to improve outcomes and increase access.

This year, we will discuss the role of the private sector in SCD and hemophilia management and the use of rifaximin in resource-limited countries for the prevention of sickle cell crises, SCD in diverse clinical landscapes, the use of a registry for managing sickle cell, innovations in SCD, and comprehensive approaches to SCD management. Looking forward to seeing you soon! For those who cannot attend in person, many of our convention components will be offered virtually. Convention registration is now open!"