19/12/2025
Moi County Referral Hospital - Voi has officially launched a Patient and Caregiver Support Group for persons living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), marking a major step in strengthening holistic care and psychosocial support for affected families.
The support group brings together patients and caregivers to share experiences, encourage one another and build a strong community to support the lifelong journey of SCD care.
The forum featured an interactive session led by Dr. Rebecca Wughanga Mwakichako, Consultant Hematologist at MVCRH, who provided comprehensive information on sickle cell disease, including inheritance patterns, clinical presentation, management, routine follow-up and the importance of consistent care.
“We emphasize early screening, especially for all children below one year when they visit our public health facilities. We also have dedicated sickle cell clinics at Taveta Subcounty Hospital and MVCRH,” Dr. Mwakichako noted.
Mothers of children living with SCD shared powerful lived experiences, while healthcare providers addressed medical concerns, psychosocial challenges and available support systems.
Family screening for relatives of known SCD patients was also conducted during the forum.
The launch was graced by Ms. Lea Kilenga, CEO and Executive Director of the Africa Sickle Cell Organization (ASCO) and Mr. Elly Obwaka, a Chemical Engineer and Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Both are sickle cell warriors who inspired patients and caregivers to live positively and pursue their dreams despite the diagnosis.
Mr. Obwaka, now 51 years old, encouraged mothers by sharing his personal journey, revealing that he was once told he would not live past the age of three.
“Despite the diagnosis, I have been able to pursue my dreams through consistent treatment and strictly following my doctor’s advice. A sickle cell diagnosis is not the end of life,” he said.
The event was supported by the Africa Sickle Cell Organization (ASCO), the County Government of Taita Taveta, and the dedicated MVCRH staff, who also donated Christmas gifts to the sickle cell warriors, spreading joy and hope during the festive season.
