Projects supported by 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. Establishing or strengthening 21 centres for people living with haemophilia and Sickle Cell Disease, the project reduced the distance to care by up to 18-hours one-way in Tanzania.
The project’s success led to the expansion into a second initiative with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. This project, ‘Expanding access to blood disorders care in East Africa’ will strengthen care infrastructure for haemophilia and Sickle Cell Disease in the four countries, diagnose more people through improved facilities and screening activities, and empower the patient organisations to engage policy makers and other influential figures through structured advocacy campaigns.
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
