Sickle Cell Patients In Kisumu Demand Affordable Care In Major Inclusion Drive
Matters Disability Updated: 19 June 2026 09:33 EAT
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People with sickle cell anaemia disease in Kisumu have renewed calls for affordable treatment and stronger inclusion in healthcare planning, saying many families continue to struggle with the cost of managing the lifelong condition.
The renewed push emerged during activities marking World Sickle Cell Day, where patients, caregivers and health advocates urged county and national authorities to strengthen policies aimed at improving access to care and reducing treatment costs.
Stakeholders said sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern in western Kenya and called for greater recognition of the condition in health budgeting and service delivery programmes.
Advocacy groups argued that many patients continue to face barriers including expensive medication, repeated hospital visits and limited access to specialised treatment facilities within the county.
Participants also raised concerns about delays in diagnosis and called for wider newborn screening programmes to allow early identification and timely treatment of affected children.
Patients appealed for increased availability of essential medicines and specialised clinical services across public hospitals, saying access remains inconsistent for many households.
Health campaigners further called for decentralisation of care to reduce pressure on referral hospitals and allow patients to receive treatment closer to their communities.
The inclusion drive also focused on improving insurance coverage and ensuring sickle cell patients receive adequate support under public healthcare financing programmes.
Caregivers urged authorities to invest in awareness campaigns and community education to reduce stigma and improve understanding of the condition.
Advocates said psychosocial support should become part of routine care, noting that patients and families often experience emotional and economic challenges associated with long-term treatment.
County health stakeholders acknowledged existing gaps and emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers and patient organisations.
Patients said the campaign is intended to ensure people living with sickle cell disease are fully included in healthcare decisions and can access affordable, sustainable and quality treatment without financial hardship.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD