Building a Future
Where Every Child
with Sickle Cell Disease
Can Thrive
Sickle Cell Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) is a Med Aditus Foundation initiative born from a simple belief: sustainable change cannot be imposed; it must be cultivated through authentic, respectful partnerships that challenge existing inequities.
The human cost is tangible: fragmented care, low awareness, persistent stigma, chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and significant socio-economic strain.
Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited blood disorders marked by abnormal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When deprived of oxygen, red blood cells become hard, sticky, and crescent-shaped—getting stuck and blocking blood flow. This leads to severe pain episodes, organ damage, and serious health complications.
SCD is not contagious. It’s passed through families when a child inherits the sickle cell gene from both parents. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Kenya, the burden of illness is highest, yet comprehensive care remains out of reach for most families.
Source: Blood, 2025
Source: Kenya Ministry of Health (2023)
Source: Blood, 2025
Our Three-Phase Approach
How SPARK Creates Change
SPARK will operate through five core components, each designed to address critical gaps in the SCD care continuum while strengthening the broader health system.
Our Delivery Model
SPARK will be implemented through a phased delivery approach supported by a Hub–Spoke–Bridge model. This structure enables coordinated service delivery, strengthens community connections, and ensures that early successes can be sustained and expanded over time.
The Hub
The Hub
The Hub provides technical oversight, data coordination, and quality assurance, ensuring consistent standards and supporting partner facilities across the network.
The Spokes
The Spokes
Spokes deliver frontline services such as screening, education, and patient support, bringing care closer to the communities that need it most.
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge links communities to services through outreach and trusted local engagement, improving awareness and strengthening continuity of care.
The Hub
The Hub
JOOTRH serves as the central hub for advanced diagnostics, specialist training, and complex case management.
The Spokes
The Spokes
Sub-county hospitals, health centers, and community-based organizations deliver routine screening, primary care, community engagement, and follow-up support.
The Bridge
The Bridge
Mobile health outreach and Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) deliver services and education directly within underserved communities, bridging geographical and financial barriers.
The Hub
The Hub provides technical oversight, data coordination, and quality assurance, ensuring consistent standards and supporting partner facilities across the network.
The Spokes
Spokes deliver frontline services such as screening, education, and patient support, bringing care closer to the communities that need it most.
The Bridge
The Bridge links communities to services through outreach and trusted local engagement, improving awareness and strengthening continuity of care.
