By Sherine Atieno.                                                                                                                                                                            The Sickle Cell Disease and Hemophilia Conference (SCDHC) at Ciala Resort included a session titled “Shaping the Future: Innovative Policy Approaches to Address Sickle Cell Disease and Hemophilia Care.”

A key highlight of the session was the address by Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). He outlined JOOTRH’s vision to become a leading healthcare provider in Western Kenya, specifically focusing on advancements made in managing sickle cell disease (SCD) and hemophilia.

JOOTRH’s Commitment to SCD and Hemophilia Patients

Dr. Lesiyampe emphasized JOOTRH’s unwavering support for patients battling SCD and hemophilia. The hospital’s Ward seven houses a specialized unit dedicated to providing comprehensive care for these conditions. A fully functional clinic for nursery care has been established, and JOOTRH offers financial aid to “SCD warriors,” a term the hospital uses to acknowledge the strength of those fighting the disease.

Enhancing Treatment Options

Dr. Lesiyampe announced plans to establish a bone marrow transplant center in Kisumu, a critical step towards offering a wider range of treatment options for patients in the region. Recognizing the value of learning from successful models, he revealed plans to send JOOTRH staff to Uganda and Tanzania to benchmark best practices in SCD and hemophilia care.

Investing in Staff and Patient Wellbeing

JOOTRH prioritizes the wellbeing of both staff and patients. The hospital employs individuals who themselves are SCD warriors. This approach empowers these individuals and ensures the hospital staff includes people with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs associated with SCD. JOOTRH supports its staff through psychosocial support, timely salaries, and leave policies. Dr. Lesiyampe condemned discrimination and reaffirmed JOOTRH’s commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Support and Collaboration

To further solidify its support for SCD and hemophilia patients, Dr. Lesiyampe proposed a monthly scheme to provide ongoing assistance. He highlighted the importance of creating awareness through counseling, particularly for teenagers and adolescents before marriage, to educate them about these conditions and their implications.

JOOTRH’s collaboration with Maseno University has been instrumental in advancing research and service delivery in SCD and hemophilia care. This partnership is vital for the continuous improvement of healthcare services and the development of new treatment methods. Dr. Lesiyampe expressed JOOTRH’s unwavering commitment to partnering with other institutions to ensure quality care for patients.

Early Diagnosis and Comprehensive Care

Newborn screening for SCD and hemophilia is another key service provided by JOOTRH, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Lesiyampe revealed plans to acquire radiotherapy equipment to reduce the need for referrals to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). This equipment will also benefit patients with cardiovascular diseases, underscoring JOOTRH’s commitment to comprehensive care.

 Hope for Western Kenya

Dr. Lesiyampe concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare providers in alleviating the burden of SCD and hemophilia. He left the audience with a powerful quote: “The tragedy of death is not what dies in you, but what dies inside you while you live.” This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive and compassionate care for individuals battling these challenging conditions.