Returning to Kenya: Expanding Hope and Advancing Care in 2025

In January 2025, The Allo Hope Foundation returned to Kenya, deepening our commitment to improving care for alloimmunized mothers and babies affected by Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). Partnering with our incredible AHF Africa Ambassador, Rose Murage, and an ever-growing network of patients, providers, and organizations in Nairobi, we had the privilege of learning more about the culture, resources, and pressing needs of Kenyan families and healthcare professionals.

This trip was about more than just education and awareness—it was about building relationships, strengthening systems, and ensuring that life-saving care is accessible and sustainable. From hospitals and blood banks to classrooms and patient meetings, our time in Kenya was filled with powerful moments of collaboration and progress.

Empowering Patients and Strengthening Community

One of the most impactful parts of our visit was hosting the AHF Patient Meeting, where we teamed up with inspiring speakers and gathered with alloimmunized women to provide emotional support, share educational resources, and discuss ways to improve care. Hearing their stories and perspectives helped shape our understanding of what is working and what still needs to change. Their courage and resilience continue to inspire us in this fight to eliminate preventable loss.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible leaders who spoke at this event: Auntie Jemimah, Caroline Wangumati, Rose Murage, John Mureithi,

Educating the Next Generation

At Ruai Girls High School, we held an educational session on blood type awareness, Rh disease prevention, and the importance of blood donation. Thanks to Eldon Biologicals, we were also able to provide free blood typing, identifying Rh-negative students and referring them to the O- Foundation for future support and blood donation. This initiative not only equips young women with vital health knowledge but also strengthens Kenya’s blood donation network, ensuring that future mothers have access to the care they need.

We were SO impressed by the students at Ruai Girls Secondary School when over 200 students volunteered to donate blood. We collected 141 pints of blood and had to turn the rest away because it was so late and we were working outdoors with no way to continue donations in the dark. These girls were an inspiration to us all.

Partnering with Hospitals to Enhance Care and Resources

Visiting Kenyatta National Hospital, the largest public referral hospital in Kenya and the only facility offering intrauterine transfusions (IUTs), was a significant step in addressing HDFN care. We toured the hospital and saw their beautiful new maternity wing. We also had the opportunity to visit the neonatal intensive care unit and see firsthand the impact of the biliblankets AHF donated last year. Seeing the tiniest patients benefiting from increased phototherapy access was a powerful reminder of how small interventions can make a huge difference. That evening we held a virtual learning session with Dr. Mark Yazer, discussing best practices for processing blood for IUTs, exchange transfusions, and neonatal top up transfusions. Thank you Dr. Yazer!

We had the honor of visiting AIC Kijabe Hospital and finally meeting some of their incredible staff members in person. Several of these physicians have been in regular contact with us over the past couple of years, providing phenomenal care for their alloimmunized patients and babies with HDFN. Essie and her baby Njeri joined us at Kijabe, where she delivered Njeri after receiving life saving IUTs in Ethiopia. The team at Kijabe provided the best care for Njeri in the weeks after birth and we couldn’t be more grateful. We engaged in discussions about strengthening maternal and neonatal care, including pregnancy monitoring and transfusion protocols. Dr. Tim Bahr provided a remote lecture and discussion on neonatal management of HDFN. We were so impressed by the team at AIC Kijabe and look forward to collaborating in the future.

A Sustainable Path Forward

This trip was about more than just what we accomplished in a few short days—it was about laying the groundwork for lasting change. We are committed to advancing care for alloimmunized women and HDFN babies in Kenya, not only by providing resources but by listening, learning, and working alongside local leaders to find sustainable solutions. The knowledge we gained from this visit will guide our next steps as we continue to fight for equitable care worldwide.

To everyone who supported this trip—through donations, encouragement, or spreading the word—thank you. Your generosity is making a real impact, and together, we are saving lives.

Stay tuned for more updates on how AHF is expanding its global reach, and as always, we welcome your continued partnership in this mission of hope.