AAR slashes sickle cell test costs in accessibility drive

A nurse during AAR's previous medical camp. [File, Standard]

Private healthcare provider AAR Hospital on Thursday announced a significant subsidy on critical sickle cell screening tests and free preventative medication, marking World Sickle Cell Day with an initiative aimed at reducing the economic barriers to diagnosing and managing the prevalent genetic blood disorder.

The hospital will offer comprehensive blood tests, known as full haemograms (which analyse red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets), for Sh500 at its Kiambu Road facility - a reduction of 65 per cent from the standard cost of Sh1,450. This subsidized screening will be available to the general public seeking testing.

Specifically for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients, AAR will provide free Penicillin V prophylaxis on June 28th. This antibiotic is essential for preventing potentially fatal infections, especially in children with SCD. Additionally, the hospital will offer free blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, doctor consultations, nutrition counselling, and Q&A sessions.

SCD causes red blood cells to deform into a sickle shape, leading to blockages, excruciating pain crises, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy. It is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, but diagnosis and lifelong care often remain financially out of reach for many, creating substantial hardship for families and straining health resources.

Dr Cynthia Omina, Head of Clinical Services at AAR Hospital, emphasized the initiative's economic and humanitarian goals: "At AAR Hospital we recognize the immense burden sickle cell disease places on patients and families," she stated. "Our goal is to ensure no patient is left behind due to lack of resources. Early testing and timely preventative treatment are life-changing and cost-effective in the long run."

The move underscores the challenge of improving access to essential diagnostics and preventative care for chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like SCD in emerging markets. NCDs represent a growing economic burden due to lost productivity and high long-term treatment costs. By drastically reducing the price of the initial screening test, AAR aims to lower a key barrier to early diagnosis and management, potentially mitigating severe complications and associated future healthcare expenses.

Dr Omina framed the campaign as a broader call to action: "This is more than a campaign; it's a call to action for communities, caregivers, and health systems to prioritize sickle cell health." She highlighted the need for systemic investment, stating, "Investment by the Ministry of Health in early detection, access to affordable treatment, comprehensive care, newborn screening programs, and upgraded healthcare infrastructure is critical to ease suffering and improve outcomes for SCD patients."

While AAR noted the availability of advanced treatments like the targeted medication voxelotor and stem cell transplantation, the hospital stressed that accessible basic care and early diagnosis remain fundamental needs.