Vihiga residents can now access comprehensive screening for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in a renewed effort to ensure timely and appropriate care.
This is after the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the county government launched a PEN-Plus NCD Clinic at Hamisi Sub-county Hospital.
The launch done by Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo and the Acting Director General of Health at the ministry Patrick Amoth also aims to facilitate referral for diagnosis.
PEN-Plus, is a collaborative effort between the ministry, Non-communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya and NCDI Poverty Network.
The aim is to strengthen health systems by increasing access to quality integrated treatment and care for severe NCDs including sickle cell disease, type 1 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Through the clinic, patients will have access to the necessary medications for SCD management.
“Our highly trained staff will offer specialized support and services, tailored to the unique needs of individuals with SCD,” the ministry said in a statement.
“As part of our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, we are proud to establish a Sickle Cell Registry, enabling us to gather vital data and insights for better understanding and management of the disease,” the ministry said.
This, the ministry said, will contribute to the overall enhancement of care and support for those living with Sickle Cell Disease.
According to NCDI Poverty Network, chronic care services for such severe conditions are only available at referral hospitals in major cities, making treatment both inaccessible and unaffordable for the rural poor.
As a result, many poor children and young adults go without treatment for severe conditions that almost always lead to premature death if left untreated.
PEN-Plus, therefore, addresses this service gap by bringing lifesaving chronic care for severe NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) to first-level rural hospitals for the first time.
