by Lorraine Anyango .
Kisumu County is reaching out to all and Sundry to be part of the upcoming International Sickle Cell and Hemophilia conference that will be held during the sickle cell awareness month from September 12th through to 16th 2023.
Already on board are Migori, Kisii, Homabay, Vihiga, Kakamega, Nyamira and Siaya counties having committed to participate in the upcoming conference. Many will be sharing their experience in managing the two cases.
The inclusion of other counties is aimed at more investment, stronger collaboration, and partnerships to stem the tide of the rising cases of sickle cell disease in Kenya.
Leading the delegations to the counties, Kisumu County Malaria Coordinator Liliana Dayo shared the burden of Sickle cell and Haemophilia in Kisumu and Nyanza as a whole emphasizing the importance of uniting to find and implementing transformative interventions.
She shed light on the burden of blood-related diseases being considerably reduced if cost-effective preventive and curative measures and interventions are implemented in a balanced and coordinated manner.
Sources of funding for the fight against these diseases and the technical partners involved are insufficient hence the need to unite toward a lasting solution.
Kisumu has also opened its arms to nations, researchers, learning institutions, pharmaceuticals, non-governmental institutions, and all organizations to partner with the conference.
Kisumu County alone, without the support of partners, will not be able to cope with the burden of sickle cell and hemophilia management that entails the availability of drugs, warriors support, information, communication, education, screening, case management, and also basic research in this field.
This conference will deliberately host warriors from around the globe, who will not only share real stories of strength and perseverance but will also make a significant contribution towards remedies to sickle cell and hemophilia which subjects them to extreme pain, life-threatening infections, and other complications such as stroke or loss of vision.
The disease interferes with many aspects of the patient’s life, including education, employment, and psychosocial development. Despite the disastrous consequences, the conditions have not received adequate attention.
The planning committee has already received more than 45 Abstracts from international, national, and local forums that will be presented during the conference.
The planning of the conference is led by the County Executive Member for Medical services, Public health, and Sanitation Dr. Greggory Ganda, and the Chief officer Dr Lusi Ojwanga with assistance from warriors, officers from the National Government, partners working in the sickle Cell and Hemophilia fields and officers from health and tourism departments.
For more details on the conference including registration please click on the link below.
. https://scdhconference.com/
