According to the Ministry of Health, “it is estimated that 14,000 children are born with Sickle Cell Disease every year in Kenya”. An estimated 50-90% of those born with the condition die undiagnosed before their 5th birthday in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the absence of routine new-born screening and appropriate treatment.
The disease is common across Kenya with high disease burden in Western, Nyanza and Coastal regions. In the western region, it is estimated that as high as 18% of children are born with a Sickle Cell Trait and 4.5% will end up developing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Migori County government in partnership with a team of German doctor has established a sickle cell treatment and management Center. While addressing the media the county’s Governor, Ochillo Ayacko stated that close to 1500 people are battling sickle cell anaemia. However, only 50 of them seek treatment and medication due to the high costs of managing the disease.
“We have agreed to have a structured engagement. That will unlock resources and have a structured way of unlocking treatment for our people,” the governor added.
