Sickle Cell Anemia In Africa

A neglected cause of early childhood mortality

Click here to read more about Sickle Cell Anemia on the ground in Kenya.

The mission for the Sickle Cell Anemia project is to provide support to the children and families with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

To work with students and professionals on a disease endemic in Africa with sparse care and education
To bring patients and their families together to provide education on SCD
To provide a platform for the affected to share their battles, motivate each other and learn from each other
To provide opportunities for patients in need of advice on care, control, and management of the disease
To provide a platform for positive change, motivation, and inspiration from people living with the disease

Every year, almost 300,000 babies are born with a form of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The majority of the cases are in sub-Saharan Africa and associated with a very high rate of childhood mortality, 50%-90%. Regardless there is a lack of reliable, up-to-date information in rural areas and populations have little access to currently available treatments and preventive interventions.

In December 2008, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the “recognition of sickle-cell anemia as a public health problem,” and urged UN organizations to raise awareness of SCD. Despite the fact that the UN has called for global efforts “to bring the disease out of the shadows,” relatively little attention has been given to ease the burden of SCD in rural regions where the disease is prevalent. Enough is already known to justify investment in promoting widespread screening, health education, and treatment.

Village Volunteers in partnership with Dr. Marie Ojiambo/Sickle Strong Initiative gives medical students, pre-med students, public health, nutrition, therapy students, and health professionals interested in the support of those affected by sickle cell anemia an opportunity to have an impact. Moreover, Sickle Cell “warriors”, parents and caregivers often feel isolated from others in their communities and support groups will help ease their stress.

Curriculum Development

Village Volunteers has an open source reference library on health promoting opportunities for those with Sickle Cell Anemia and their caregivers. We invite everyone to use and contribute towards our library.
Goals and Objectives of Sickle Cell Disease Health:
- To work with students and professionals in Africa where there is sparse care and education
- To bring patients and their families together to provide education on SCD
- To provide a platform for the affected to share their battles, motivate each other and learn from each other
- To provide opportunities for patients in need of advice on care, control, and management of the disease
- To provide a platform for positive change, motivation, and inspiration of patients suffering from the disease

Awareness programs and assistance to families is ongoing. We have been able to provide insurance for over 100 people with families with children with sickle cell anemia. The medical insurance supports Mama Maria Clinic and Hospital, a partner clinic in a community with a large population with Sickle Cell Anemia.

As we collect data and organize family support groups, provide moringa trees for the leaf to be powdered to provide nutrition for the children, water filters, and send volunteers who focus on support to children and families, the progress is palpable.

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