Nairobi, Kenya — September 2026
Sickle cell disease affects an estimated 66% of the world’s cases in Africa, yet diagnostic access — particularly newborn and premarital screening — remains a critical gap in the region’s health systems. Closing that gap requires diagnostics that are not only accurate, but locally manufactured, affordable and scalable.
MHS was honored to participate in the 3rd Global Sickle Cell Disease Conference, convened by the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Kenya and the Sickle Cell Federation of Kenya, held from 1–3 September 2026 in Nairobi.
Showcasing African-Made Diagnostic Innovation
At the conference, our team presented MHS’s progress in the local manufacturing of sickle cell diagnostic kits, highlighting our contribution to expanding access to early and affordable diagnosis — with a particular focus on newborn screening and premarital screening.
We also exhibited our diagnostic portfolio to policymakers, clinicians, researchers and industry stakeholders, demonstrating how locally manufactured health technologies can:
- Strengthen national screening capacity
- Reduce reliance on imported diagnostics
- Close persistent diagnostic gaps across the continent
- Enable earlier, more affordable detection at both the newborn and premarital stages
A National Call for Coordinated Action
The conference was officially opened by Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Republic of Kenya, who called for a coordinated national response to sickle cell disease anchored in early diagnosis and continuous care — a call that aligns directly with MHS’s mission and the work we presented in Nairobi.
Building a Sustainable, Self-Sufficient Healthcare Ecosystem
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health Kenya, GASCDO and the Sickle Cell Federation of Kenya for convening this important platform and for bringing together policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry players and patient advocates to advance collaboration, innovation and action in sickle cell care.
As Africa works toward sustainable, self-sufficient healthcare systems, MHS remains committed to scaling local diagnostic manufacturing and bringing early detection closer to the communities most affected by sickle cell disease.
#SickleCellDisease #MadeInAfrica #Diagnostics #MHS
