Kisumu County has signed a concession agreement with US based YUNIGEN Pharmaceuticals to locally manufacture sickle cell medication and expand access to care for thousands living with the disease.
The development marks a major stride in the county's efforts to combat sickle cell disease (SCD), an under-recognised public health burden that affects 2 in every 100 Kisumu residents, mostly children.
Under the agreement, Kisumu and YUNIGEN will jointly roll out routine newborn screening in all public health facilities, ensure a steady supply of affordable, paediatric-friendly hydroxyurea, build health worker capacity, and establish a digital registry for effective tracking and treatment.
YUNIGEN is expected to acquire land and build a modern packaging plant, which will be fast-tracked as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with support from the county government.
