JOOTRH becomes first Kenyan public hospital to own Spectra Optia Apheresis System

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kenya has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first public hospital in the country to own a Spectra Optia Apheresis Machine.

This advanced technology enables sickle cell disease patients to access life-saving treatment without the delays and uncertainties they previously faced.

The hospital commissioned the machine at its Victoria Annex facility, marking a transformative moment for specialized healthcare in the region.

Patients who once endured long waiting periods can now receive immediate care through a permanently installed system that operates independently of external logistics.

How machines improve patient care   

The Spectra Optia Apheresis Machine performs red cell exchange, a specialized procedure that removes damaged red blood cells from patients and replaces them with healthy ones.

This intervention prevents strokes, reduces organ damage, and minimizes the painful crises that frequently affect people living with sickle cell disease.

Beyond sickle cell management, the machine supports more than ten therapeutic procedures.

These include therapeutic plasma exchange, cell depletion, and stem cell collection, which expand treatment options for patients with neurological, kidney, autoimmune, and other blood-related conditions.

Partnership guarantees long-term sustainability

JOOTRH acquired the machine through a partnership with Konrad Science and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.

The collaboration guarantees five years of technical support, routine maintenance, software upgrades, and continuous training for hospital staff at no additional cost.

Kevin Otieno, Sales Representative at Konrad Science, emphasized the partners’ commitment to ensuring the machine remains functional, efficient, and responsive to patient needs throughout this period.

The hospital previously accessed apheresis services through an arrangement with The Nairobi West Hospital, which flew in the machine when required.

While this approach allowed six sickle cell patients to benefit from the procedure, logistical challenges and limited availability created significant barriers.

The permanent installation at Victoria Annex eliminates these obstacles entirely.

Building capacity through training 

Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer, praised the medical team that completed intensive training to operate the equipment independently.

He described the technology as a life-changer that offers hope to people living with sickle cell disease, stressing the importance of using it carefully, sustainably, and with compassion.

The hospital has also acquired a new blood screening machine that enables early and timely screening of donated blood, improving safety and efficiency in transfusion services.

Dr. Thaddeus Massawa appealed to the public to donate blood regularly, particularly individuals with rare blood groups such as O-negative, to support the Blood Transfusion Unit.

The apheresis machine’s advanced capabilities depend on maintaining adequate blood supplies to serve the growing number of patients.

Patient numbers double as awareness rises

Since JOOTRH launched red cell apheresis services at Victoria Annex in September, patient attendance has doubled from 30 to 60 individuals weekly.

Dr Brenda Misore, in charge of Sickle Cell Haematology and a pediatric hemato-oncologist, attributes this growth to increasing awareness of the life-saving procedure among families in the region.

Sickle cell disease remains highly prevalent in western Kenya, and many complications begin in childhood.

Dr. Misore explained that red cell exchange transfusion aims to prevent these complications so children can grow into adulthood without suffering debilitating health crises.

Stroke represents one of the most serious complications among sickle cell patients, but early screening and timely transfusions significantly reduce this risk.

Early screening saves lives

Automated exchange transfusions offer substantial advantages over manual transfusions by protecting patients from iron overload and other complications.

With the permanent machine now in place, JOOTRH can provide multiple transfusions weekly and handle emergency cases promptly, preventing complications such as stroke, priapism, and severe acute chest syndrome.

Dr. Ojuma, Director of Victoria Annex, emphasized the critical importance of early screening.

The facility can screen children from birth, and current data shows that approximately one in five newborns carries the sickle cell trait.

Children identified early and followed closely through comprehensive care programs demonstrate dramatically improved survival rates.

Dr. Ojuma revealed that mortality rates among young children with sickle cell disease have dropped from 50-80% by age five to just 2.2% in their carefully monitored patient cohort.

He urged surrounding counties to utilize the clinic’s resources, noting that the hospital now possesses the facilities, machines, and dedicated team necessary to manage complications effectively.

Parents should come forward for screening and care to ensure their children receive timely, life-saving interventions that can transform health outcomes.