Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder significantly impacting both child and adult morbidity and mortality rates in Kenya.
According to the Ministry of Health report, SCD burden mirrors malaria endemic patterns in regions like the lake region, Western, and the Coast. Due to migration, SCD is also present in urban and commercialized areas.
Approximately 14,000 children are born with sickle cell annually in Kenya. In high-burden areas, between 2 to 4 out of every 100 infants are affected, and about 6-15% of children under 5 years succumb to the disease.
kenyan regions with high sickle cell prevalences
The impact of SCD extends beyond physical health, affecting quality of life through medical costs, discrimination, psychosocial challenges, lack of medical care, and unemployment. Many adults with SCD face unemployment, hindering their economic and social advancement.
Economically, Kenya spends an estimated Ksh 1.6 billion annually (equivalent to 0.002% of GDP) on managing the 14,000 cases of SCD.
Ivy Nabwire, a sickle cell patient and advocate in Allience of Sickle Cell Anaemia Kenya, describes the challenges.
"The pain of sickle cell is ten times worse than labor pains. Buying medication daily is expensive and exhausting. There is also societal stigma, pushing many to consider suicide."
Nabwire also emphasizes the need for awareness and education about sickle cell to the society.
"Society lacks awareness about sickle cell anemia, which is why we form alliances and groups everywhere to educate and raise awareness."
While some believe there is a limited lifespan for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD), Nabwire challenges this notion, viewing it as a manageable condition stating;
"Sickle cell can be managed through diet and medication, allowing for a normal lifespan."
Despite the rising prevalence of SCD, the Ministry of Health has implemented strategies to mitigate its impact through policy interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden and prevalence of blood disorders.
As the world observes World Sickle Cell Day, it's crucial to support and care for individuals living with sickle cell disease to alleviate their burdens.
By: Mapenzi Kitsao
