Kenya’s endeavour to ensure access to safe and ethical use of human cells, tissues and organs is set to be actualised with the establishment of the Kenya tissue and transplant authority by president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The authority, which was established through a special gazette notice dated august 1st, will be a successor to the Department of the National Blood Transfusion, Tissue and Human Organ Transplant Services.
Ministry of Health has said that the authority will be required to ensure the safety, biosafety and wellbeing of donors and recipients in medical services relating to human derived medical products through the establishment and maintenance of systems that comply with safety and legal requirements.
“The authority will be tasked with regulating all services relating to human cells, tissue and organ transplant in accordance with the Health Act, 2017, register and license facilities and establishments dealing with human cells, tissues and organs and transplant services maintain a registry of transplant service providers, donors and recipients as well as establish an equitable mechanism for matching and allocation of cells, tissue and organs,” said MOH in a statement.
It will also oversee the implementation of policies, guidelines, procedures & standards relating to human tissues & organs, provide support services for transfusion & transplant systems including testing, grouping, typing, banking, processing, distribution, manufacturing & QC.
The authority will develop a national emergency response mechanism including maintenance of strategic reserves for human tissues & organs, educate members of the public to foster voluntary donations of cells, tissues & organs & collaborate with other organ exchange organizations.
Other functions include conducting & collaborating with other stakeholders in conducting research on human cells, tissues and organs and related services, advising health Cabinet Secretary, National and County Governments and all stakeholders on ethical, legal & clinical issues.
