Shocking Truths Revealed: The Battle to Debunk Myths About Sickle Cell in Kenya

Title: Making a Difference: The Africa Sickle Cell Organization’s Impact on Taveta

Introduction

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in Africa. The disease affects red blood cells, causing them to become crescent-shaped, rigid, and prone to getting stuck in small blood vessels. This can lead to episodes of severe pain, organ damage, and even stroke.

Africa Sickle Cell Organization (ASCO) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2017 by Ms. Bey to improve the lives of those living with sickle cell disease in Africa. She regularly visits communities to raise awareness of the disease, but have returned home to Taveta to help the people there.

The Impact of Africa Sickle Cell Organization on Taveta

Ms. Bey’s initiative to establish ASCO has already made an impact on the people of Taveta. The organization has been actively involved in creating awareness, providing support, and improving access to healthcare facilities for those living with sickle cell disease.

Raising Awareness

Through community engagements and outreach, ASCO has been able to spread knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease. This has brought about a significant change, as more people are now better informed about the disease, leading to a decrease in societal stigma towards those affected.

Supporting Patients

ASCO has established support groups that provide emotional support and counseling to patients living with sickle cell disease. These groups also offer education on how to manage the disease, which has made a substantial difference in the lives of those affected. Additionally, the organization has partnered with healthcare facilities and providers to ensure that patients have access to appropriate medical care.

Improving Access to Healthcare

Along with hospital partnerships, ASCO recognizes the need for mobile clinics that provide more accessible healthcare for those living with sickle cell disease in rural communities. They advocate for the improved quality of care and medical treatments for patients to minimize the severity of complications.

How Can We Support ASCO

With the work ASCO is doing, the organization needs support to make sure that it is sustainable. The organization is still developing, and there is much that needs to be done. People willing to support the organization can do the following:

Donating funds for outreach programs

Volunteering time or expertise in their area of specialization

Spreading the word about the organization on social media to reach more people

Additional Piece

The stigma surrounding sickle cell disease persists in many African communities. This leads to people hiding their diagnosis, not accessing care until it’s too late or being stigmatized and discriminated against when seeking support or care.

ASCO is actively fighting to reduce the discrimination and stigma surrounding sickle cell disease by illuminating the realities of living with the disease. The organization has also provided resources that enable those affected to manage the disease better for improved outcomes.

Sickle cell disease has been largely ignored globally, except in a few regions where sickle cell is prevalent. An estimated 300,000 infants are born with sickle cell disease worldwide every year, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for up to 80% of the burden.

The scarcity of research funding and limited knowledge means that sickle cell disease remains widely misunderstood. Its symptoms, stigma, and scarcity of knowledge can lead to a lower quality of life or missed opportunities in education and employment.

Ms. Bey’s initiative in creating ASCO is significant because the organization is one of the few spaces where the sickle cell community can be empowered to come forward and seek support. Tracey Idehen, one of the sickle cell patients ASCO has supported, said she was reluctant to join the group, and it was Ms. Bey’s persistent encouragement that got her to come out and connect with others living with sickle cell disease.

The work of ASCO is just the beginning in addressing the sickle cell disease epidemic in Africa. More awareness and advocacy can disrupt the cycle of stigma around sickle cell patients. With greater awareness and education, families and communities can learn more about sickle cell disease, feel more comfortable discussing it and offer better support to those affected.

Summary

Ms. Bey founded ASCO in 2017 to improve the lives of those living with sickle cell disease in Africa. ASCO has had a positive impact on the people of Taveta by creating awareness, providing support, and improving access to healthcare facilities for those living with sickle cell disease. Ways to support ASCO include donating funds for outreach programs, volunteering time or expertise, and spreading the word about the organization on social media. As sickle cell disease is still widely misunderstood, ASCO is one of the few spaces where people living with the disease can be empowered to come forward and seek support. Greater awareness and advocacy can disrupt the cycle of stigma around sickle cell patients.

—————————————————-

Article	Link
UK Artful Impressions	Premiere Etsy Store
Sponsored Content	View
90’s Rock Band Review	View
Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide	View
Nature’s Secret to More Energy	View
Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss	View
MacBook Air i3 vs i5	View
You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield	View

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65846412?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
—————————————————-