Introduction
The Wellness Institute Trust (WIT) is proud to announce the Sickle Cell Health Initiative for Education, Local Development, and Diagnosis Project (SHIELD). This is an initiative in collaboration with the County Government of Kakamega, Dan Amolo Memorial Kids Ark (DAMKA) and TERUMO Blood and Cell Technologies to establish a sickle cell centre in Mumias Level 4 Hospital.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of diseases that affects Red Blood Cells (RBCs) with the most severe version being Sickle Cell Anaemia. This group of diseases is genetically inherited and lifelong but can be managed through treatment to alleviate and manage some of the symptoms. Individuals with sickle cell disease have abnormally shaped RBCs. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 14,000 children are born with SCD every year. The Western part of Kenya has a very high burden of sickle cell disease in the country and is often referred to as the silent epidemic of the region. It is important to have systems in place for routine screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the most affected areas in the country.
This new centre will focus on screening and diagnosis, treatment, red cell exchange transfusion, psychological and genetic counselling for those in Kakamega in addition to the wider Western Kenya region. The clinic will run every Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Patients and families with suspected and confirmed SCD may be referred to this clinic.
Sickle Cell: Tackling sickle cell disease in the region.
Health Initiative: Offering comprehensive care and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
Education: Raising awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease through community education and counselling.
Local Development: Strengthening local healthcare infrastructure in collaboration with the County of Kakamega
Diagnosis: Enhancing diagnostic methods, including newborn screening and tailored treatment protocols
Symptoms
Symptoms of SCD present from early childhood and include: –
- Anemia: RBCs cannot carry enough oxygen around the body, and it leads to shortness of breath and tiredness.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: severe pain episodes that last for several days or weeks.
- In some cases, other symptoms include delayed growth, lung complications and stroke.
Causes of Sickle Cell Disease
SCD is an inherited disease caused by a gene which leads to a change in the development of red blood cells.
A person who carries the gene that causes SCD but does not suffer from the disease itself is known as a carrier. This is commonly referred to as having the sickle cell trait. If two parents have the gene, there is 25% chance of each child being born with SCD. This is why it is important to have screening and genetic counselling in regions where SCD is most prevalent.
