Homa Bay County bears the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the country, with an estimated 12% of the population carrying the trait.
The county Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) coordinator Bright Mukuna said there was need for health stakeholders to step up efforts to combat the disease.
Mukuna noted that previously, limited healthcare financing and inadequate insurance coverage left many patients struggling to afford routine tests, medications, and vaccines.
The coordinator however noted that there is hope for the future, as the disease has been included in the national healthcare plan, especially in screening and management of the condition.
Speaking in Shauri yako in Homa Bay town during the world sickle cell day, the coordinator said there was a major push to categorize sickle cell as a disability, opening the door to additional social benefits.
Mukuna noted that the government has also improved access to medication by distributing it to sub-county hospitals, although affordability remains a concern, especially with National Hospital Insurance Fund not covering all necessary medications.
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between government and healthcare organizations to tackle the disease.
The coordinator said MSF has been working for six years to provide screening, treatment and education alongside the Ministry of Health.
He said a key challenge they address is the misconception that sickle cell disease is witchcraft, which they address through training community health promoters.
The human cost of the disease was highlighted by Helen Eric, a parent of two children with sickle cell.
She urged parents to seek medical attention immediately upon noticing symptoms like body pain, swelling and stomach aches.
Susan Jabuto, a 31-year-old living with sickle cell disease, is a testament to the resilience of patients.
Despite the challenges of medication costs and availability, she has defied stereotypes by attending school, obtaining employment, and even raising a child who is not a sickle cell carrier.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay County is taking significant steps to improve the lives of those living with sickle cell disease.
This therefore means increased access to healthcare, education and social support would hopefully offer a brighter future for patients and their families.
By Daline Ochieng and Davis Langat
