Medical technology company Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TYO: 4543) announced on Tuesday that it has signed three Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministries of Health of Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire, and Uganda's Joint Clinical Research Centre under the Uganda Ministry of Health.

The agreements establish coordinated national frameworks to address sickle cell disease, a condition affecting an estimated 7.74 million people globally, with nearly 80% of cases in sub-Saharan Africa. Between 50% and 80% of infants born with the disease die before age five, and in some West African countries, it accounts for up to 16% of child deaths.

The MoUs aim to strengthen national health systems through shared strategies, including public awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, healthcare worker training, and integration of sickle cell disease management into national health agendas.

Each partner brings distinct expertise: the Ministries of Health provide policy and infrastructure, the Joint Clinical Research Centre contributes research and implementation capacity, and Terumo BCT offers advanced medical technologies.

Executives and officials emphasised the agreements as a blueprint for sustainable care, highlighting the importance of resilient blood supply systems and long-term disease management.

This alignment signals a shift toward coordinated investment and action, positioning sickle cell disease as a national priority across the three countries.