A section of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in partnership with the Ministry of Health officials and learning institutions in Kisumu County have initiated the National Sickle Cell Disease Program to protect Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients, especially students, from stigma and other forms of discrimination.
The NGOs, composed of healthcare givers, nutritionists and paediatricians noted that the Lake region and some parts of Kwale are still endemic with Kisumu being among 17 priority counties with the highest burden of SCD.
Director of Commonwealth College of Medical and Related Studies, Olivia Akoth, said that they have already started working with learning institutions in order to raise awareness on Sickle Cell.
Speaking at the institution in Kisumu during a media engagement, Akoth noted that many students and teachers are affected by SCD in one way or another and there was a need to work with relevant players to end stigma.
The Director said that many students suffer from the condition but do not have the requisite information that can enable them to cope with it.
Head of advocacy organization Tuungane Initiative, Veronica Bitta, said that they are currently sensitizing students and guardians about the life-threatening condition.
She noted that many students suffer stigma in silence adding that parents with children who suffer from the condition should come out and seek support.
Bitta regretted that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) still discriminates against certain ailments including SCD.
She however said that they have already petitioned the Senate Health Committee over the same.
Bitta further noted that the price of drugs used in the management and treatment of the condition are still prohibitive and beyond the reach of many people.
Paediatrician at the Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr. Joan Uyonga, cited the Hydroxyurea drug which is used in SCD management and urged stakeholders to lobby for subsidies and government grants to make it affordable.
By Fredrick Odiero
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