Migori’s only Sickle Cell hospital offers new hope for patients

MAKOKHA KHAOYA AND GEORGE AGIMBA-KNA

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most serious genetic disorders and a major public health concern in the country, affecting a large segment of the population.

In Migori, the presence of a sickle cell clinic in Rongo and the groundbreaking of a new hospital in Kehancha town, courtesy of Grace Mission of Compassion, a United States (US) charity organization, highlights the growing impact of the disease on the county’s population.

SCD affects red blood cells (RBCs), which take on a sickle shape, causing them to block small blood vessels and leading to severe pain, infections, and organ damage.

A disease that was, until recently, misunderstood and associated with witchcraft is now gradually gaining recognition. The partnership between Migori County and a charitable organization to seek solutions for sickle cell patients (SCPs) is a commendable step forward.

For sickle cell patients, children and the youth, are the most affected group, with their education and other co-curricular activities at times put on hold due to the pain they undergo when the disease kicks in.

For instance, Ms Stacy Rioba from Kuria West SubCounty has been battling SCD since she was young. But the fight and zeal in her and the support from her parents and caregiver, have all made her a sickle cell warrior. 

A student at Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and Psychology, Rioba says that her journey has not been a walk in the park.

She says that her growing has undergone a lot of pain in life that has created a lot of mental and emotional trauma and, many a time forced her question her worth, her existence and her God.

Ms. Rioba elaborates that the disease is devastating, which makes a lot of patients question why they were born to suffer while others enjoyed their childhood dreams and youth.

“I have experienced constant cries during the nights and days at the hospitals that made me miss school and play, a devastating affair that every sickle cell patient undergoes,” she said.

She discloses that the disease brings a lot of pain to parents, caregivers, friends and even teachers who feel sympathy for the victims.

“Sickle cell makes everyone feel sorry for you, which makes us feel as if we are adding extra burden to people who surround us, adding emotional pain to ourselves. It is not a nice feeling at all to feel as if you have no worth” she explained.

Ms Rioba however applauds the efforts to construct a sickle cell hospital in the Kuria region, saying that the hospital would not only offer support and medication, but it would also bring hope to those affected by the disease.

According to her, the health institution is a Godsent gift to the local population as it would help address issues of Sickle cell Trait Screening, newborn screening for sickle cell disease and proper diagnosis.