More than half of children suffering from sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Western Kenya and parts of the coastal region die before their fifth birthday.
William Macharia, a children's blood diseases specialist at Aga Khan University Hospital's, said two out of every 10 newborns have the disease, with six to eight of them dying before their fifth birthday.
"This is indeed a national shame. This is a major medical concern as most are never diagnosed. SCA is an unrecognised leading contributor to high infant deaths," said Prof Macharia.
Several hospitals including Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Homa Bay County Hospital plan to conduct free medical screening to assist in identifying the disease.
Macharia made the revealations as the world plans to mark the Sickle Cell Anaemia Awareness Day today. The theme for this year's commemoration is "Know your sickle cell status" and the event will be held in Homa Bay County.