Sysmex’s Project to Standardize and Disseminate Automated Anemia and Malaria Testing Technology in Kenya Has Been Selected for the "FY2026 Project for Growth of Medical Technologies" Funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; President: Iwane Matsui) announced that its proposed project, “Project to Standardize and Disseminate Automated Anemia and Malaria Testing Technology in Kenya,” has been selected under the "FY2026 Project for Growth of Medical Technologies," implemented by the Japan Institute for Health Security ("JIHS") under commission from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Sysmex has identified "Improvement in Accessibility to Healthcare" as one of its material topics and is promoting initiatives aimed at malaria elimination.
Malaria, one of the world's major infectious diseases, is a protozoan infection prevalent mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of the condition becoming more severe, making early diagnosis and treatment essential. However, the current mainstream methods of malaria testing in these regions are microscopy and rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), both of which require approximately 15 to 30 minutes to obtain results, while microscopy also requires skilled techniques, making the standardization and efficiency of testing a challenge. In these regions, anemia is also a significant public health issue, and there is a need for strengthened measures, especially for children under five years old and pregnant women.

The Automated Hematology Analyzer XN-31 ("XN-31"),¹ which contributes to the standardization and efficiency of malaria testing, can identify red blood cells infected with the malaria parasites and determine the percentage of infected cells without pretreatment, automatically performing both processes in approximately one minute with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, since this analyzer can also automatically measure eight CBC parameters² simultaneously, it can provide clinical settings with important information for assessing anemia, including blood hemoglobin levels. 
In March 2025, Sysmex established Sysmex East Africa Ltd., a subsidiary responsible for nine East African countries, including Kenya, thereby strengthening its business base in the East African region.

The project selected will focus on standardizing and promoting the widespread adoption of automated anemia and malaria testing technology using XN-31 in Kenya. In collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Health, the Department of Health, County Government of Kisumu, and our subsidiary, Sysmex East Africa Ltd., we will conduct scientific seminars for healthcare professionals, training utilizing the local education system,³ and training of trainers.
Through these activities, we aim to promote the value of automated technologies for anemia and malaria testing and to have the testing method using XN-31 incorporated into the National Essential Diagnostic List,⁴ local diagnostic guidelines, and standard operating procedures.

Moving forward, Sysmex will continue to contribute to the health of people around the world, including those in emerging and developing countries, through the standardization and improvement of testing quality.

Kick-off Seminar (Kisumu)

Training for Healthcare Professionals

The Project for Growth of Medical Technologies is a program commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and implemented by the Bureau of International Health Cooperation of the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS). Its purpose is to contribute to improving public health and medical standards in target countries through the global expansion of Japanese medical products and technologies, thereby enhancing Japan's credibility in the international community and creating a positive cycle for both Japan and the target countries.