The Don Amolo Memorial Kids Ark director Dorothy Mabunde has called on the government to begin sickle cell testing for neonatal in hospitals. The director of the CBO which is headquartered in Butere sub-county said sickle cell disease is on the rise at an alarming rate and there is a need for awareness and sensitization in the communities.
Speaking at Butere Girls High School grounds during the celebrations to mark World Sickle Cell Day on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Mrs. Mabunde said most of people have no idea of the disease while they still believe in myths.
“In this regard, we would like to partner with entities to start programs geared towards neonatal screening. DAMKA is ready to work with county pediatricians to ensure this is implemented from the first of July 2024, first in Butere as we cascade the same to other facilities”, pleaded the director.
Mrs. Mabunde warned of dire consequences as she pleaded with stakeholders to join hands in combating the disease.
“Globally, maternity mortality is 10-18 fold compared to those without sickle cell. With such alarming rates of positivity and no local data to inform policy within our county, my sincere plea today is that we either partner or perish”, she warned.
Additionally, the director decried the stigmatization of sickle cell warriors urging the community and clinicians to treat sickle cell patients with respect and dignity.
“We must break the circle above all else and embrace the Hybrid-Tripod of patients, parents, and clinicians. To clinicians let us treat the patients and not the disease”, advised Mrs. Mabunde.
It was during the celebrations that it was discovered that the sub-counties of Butere, Khwisero Mumias, and Navakholo are the hot zones of sickle cell with calls to the members of the public to come out in large numbers to get tested.
The celebrations were presided over by Kakamega County’s first lady Janet Barasa has urged the the residents of the county to join hands in creating awareness.
“Let us love and embrace the patients and take good care of them. Let us assist the patients to acquire medication because their condition requires much help. Together with DAMKA, we have a revolving pharmacy where we have drugs for the sickle cell patients for us to have a healthy county to proper”, said Mrs. Barasa.
The Anglican church of Kenya Butere diocese Bishop Rose Okeno who was also present pledged to assist the sickle cell initiative in getting data that will assist to combat the disease.
“We will volunteer as a church to help us get this data. I can get data through my vicars because people trust us as a church more than they would confide in the rest of you.
The Rt. Rev. Rose Okeno extended her appreciation to DAMKA director Mrs. Mabunde for her services in the community of helping patients with sickle cell.
“I want to thank Dorothy because I have watched you do this. I have seen what you have done over the years. Thank you for allowing God to use you to touch the lives of the marginalized”, noted the fourth Butere diocesan bishop.
Bishop Rose said the work by Dorothy is an example of the work Jesus Christ did while on earth of touching the lives of the marginalized and the needy.
The celebrations brought together officials from the Department of Health in the Kakamega County government and other stakeholders intending to bring hope through progress, advancing global sickle cell care and treatment.