Partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Aligning around a shared strategy of addressing inequity in health.
Projects supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation
The NNHF partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation began in 2020. Aligning around a shared strategy of addressing inequity in health, the first co-funding initiative sought to accelerate blood disorders care in Kenya and Tanzania. In 2025, the expansion of this partnership will see NNHF projects quadruple the annual number of beneficiaries reached by 2030.
The partnership will enable co-funded projects in more countries and promote a scaled-up integrated approach for managing bleeding disorders and haemoglobinopathies, specifically sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. These initiatives will capitalise on the synergies between these conditions, as they are frequently addressed by the same healthcare facilities, personnel, and policies in low- and middle-income countries.
About the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.
Expanding Access to Blood Disorders Care in East Africa
Following a successful joint project between Kenya and Tanzania in 2021-2023, this project expanded its reach to include Uganda and Rwanda, and continued to strengthen haemophilia care whilst exploring integrated approaches to haemophilia and sickle cell disease. Supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and Novo Nordisk Haemophilia & Haemoglobinopathies Foundation (NNHF), the project built on over a decade of work supported by the NNHF across the four countries and focused on leveraging each country’s strengths, providing a platform for learning, encouraging positive competition, and fostering collaboration. Read about the project achievements here.
Fondation Pierre Fabre & NNHF strengthen partnership for better care in East Africa
Fondation Pierre Fabre and Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation strengthen collaboration to improve care for sickle cell disease and haemophilia in East Africa
Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation announce expanded partnership to reduce inequities in healthcare
The Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation (NNHF) and Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) are excited to announce the expansion of their co-funding partnership through a new framework agreement, which will be in effect until 2030.
Haemophilia Foundation of Uganda Launches Clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Western Uganda
The Haemophilia Foundation of Uganda has unveiled a new haemophilia clinic at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, offering a sigh of relief to patients in the Western Region.
Moving Decision and Policy Makers to Action: East Africa Blood Disorders Leadership Forum
At the end of October, over 100 representatives from governments, patient organisations, NGOs and the healthcare sector of 12 countries came together for the East Africa Blood Disorders Leadership Forum, the first event of its kind to focus on bleeding and blood disorders.
Treatment guidelines endorsed in Tanzania
Endorsement of the guidelines is a key step in improving and standardising care across the country.
Improving early detection, treatment and care with Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Last week, Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya and Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania received POCUS equipment from haemophilia associations, followed by training sessions, to enhance early detection and care for haemophilia patients.
Ensuring a future for quality bleeding and blood disorders care
In a huge step towards building a sustainable quality care system, Kenya Haemophilia Association (KHA) is working with the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to formulate a training curriculum that will give a bigger focus to bleeding and blood disorders.
Mombasa’ ambitious goal: Top haemophilia clinic in Kenya
On 7 February 2024, the General Manager of NNHF, along with team representatives, visited the Haemophilia and Sickle Cell Care Clinic of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa.
Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Chairmanship visits Kenyatta National Hospital
Dr Kibet Shikuku, President of the Kenya Haemophilia Association, discussed the ‘Expanding access to blood disorders care in Eastern Africa’ project with the NNHF team.
Two new clinics open in Kenya
On 15 December 2023, Kenya Haemophilia Association launched a Haemophilia and Sickle Cell Treatment Centre at Hola County Referral Hospital in Tana River.
Developing treatment guidelines in Uganda
A working committee of healthcare professionals and patient representatives from Haemophilia Foundation Uganda came together to develop a first draft of haemophilia treatment guidelines for the country.
Project visit: A glimpse into the progress of haemophilia care in Tanzania
Llyord Mwaniki, NNHF’s project coordinator for English-speaking African countries had the priviledge to visit the Muhimbili National Hospital and Haemophilia Society of Tanzania in Dar Es Salaam.
Engaging policymakers at Kenya project launch
David Ole Sankok, member of the East African Legislative Assembly, pledge his support for the initiative in his role as patron of the Kenya Haemophilia Association.
Advocating with a regional voice
At an advocacy workshop in Kampala in September 2023, the team strategised on how to leverage these opportunities to advocate for increased government support for blood disorders care.
Expanding access to blood disorders care in East Africa: Official launch in Rwanda
Reducing time and distance to receive care, fostering national and regional alliances to create policy change and increasing diagnosis.
September 2023
