Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH) has expanded its newborn screening services, giving more babies access to early testing for serious congenital conditions that can be treated if detected in time.
The initiative strengthens the hospital’s maternal and child healthcare services by introducing routine screening for newborns between 48 and 72 hours after birth, allowing doctors to identify hidden medical conditions before symptoms appear.
The initial screening panel covers congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, and sickle cell disease. The test is minimally invasive, requiring only a few drops of blood collected from the baby’s heel, with the entire procedure taking just a few minutes.
According to Dr. Daniel Maina, Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University Medical College and Consultant Pathologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, newborn screening provides a critical window for early medical intervention.
“Newborn screening gives us an important opportunity to identify babies who may be at risk and intervene before preventable harm occurs,” he said.
He noted that once an abnormal result is detected, confirmatory tests can be conducted promptly, enabling healthcare teams to begin treatment before irreversible complications develop. Early diagnosis can help protect brain development, promote healthy growth, and significantly reduce the risk of severe illness or death depending on the condition identified.
The hospital says the expanded programme reflects its broader commitment to preventive healthcare and improving long-term outcomes for children through timely diagnosis.
AKUH Chief Executive Officer Rashid Khalani said the investment reinforces the hospital’s focus on patient-centred care from the earliest stages of life.
“The expansion of our newborn screening service reflects our commitment to preventive, patient-centred care and to protecting health from the earliest stages of life,” Khalani said.
Parents have been encouraged to discuss newborn screening with their maternity or paediatric care teams and ensure their babies are tested within the recommended timeframe, even if they appear healthy.
Dr. Maina added that expanding access to specialised diagnostic services will help families receive timely answers while giving newborns the best chance of a healthy future.
Health experts say early newborn screening remains one of the most effective public health interventions, as many congenital disorders show no visible signs at birth but can lead to lifelong complications if left undetected.
By identifying these conditions early, treatment can begin before symptoms develop, improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children.