Paul Kariuki: Expanding Access to Plasma-Derived Medicines Across Africa
Paul Kariuki, Founder at Comms for Health Africa Consultancy, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) and International Plasma and Fractionation Association (IPFA) jointly hosted a webinar yesterday.
The theme explored what PDMPs are and why they are needed.
It found me in the middle of an ongoing situational analysis of my motherland Kenya. Serendipity.
Dr Ashendri Pillay examined the immunity divide in Africa and the need to expand access to IgG (Immunoglobulin G) therapy and used a living example of a 4 yr old beneficiary of an access programme. Very touching.
I have highlighted before the amazing work that the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service is doing. Now, yesterday, I was introduced to their Anti-D programme as Dr Ashenafi Tazebew Amare spoke about how increased access to PDMPs can save more African babies.
He also highlighted the ongoing plasma programme and their partnership with AFRICARhE. Important work!
Lastly, one brave Bradley Rayner from the South Africa and World Haemophiliac Foundations told his life story from birth to date and how he has pursued a successful career, built a business, raised a family, lived, all because someone in the early 60s began the work of building capacity for PDMP access in SA.
I am currently going through the National Assembly of Kenya Health Committee’s Report on Public Petition No. 001 of 2026 regarding management of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders among patients and children in the country.
The petition was submitted by Mr. CHRP (K) James Kago, Treasurer of the Haemophilia Association of Kenya, on behalf of haemophilia patients across the country. I have worked with bwana Kago before on a former Blood Bill.
I am curious to explore:
- The cost and equity of access to PDMPs in Kenya,
- The level of activity/participation in plasma fractionation in Kenya, if any – while we may not have a plant, do we collect and ship out any for said fractionation? Where? The impact?
- The current sources, supply chain, and challenges in PDMP access in Kenya
- Progress of the Blood, Tissues and Cells Bill in parliament.
- Very importantly, where and how I can effectively and sustainably make an impact, however small. I need to know where I come in, the cost, and all.
Interesting times for Kenya and Africa.
A BIG hearty thanks to AfSBT, IPFA for this webinar. Great lineup of speakers. Great presentations.
Great use of storytelling by Bradley and Dr. Pillay. Great moderation by Dr Françoise Rossi and Leni von Bonsdorff. Looking forward to the next one.”
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