Migori to host two-day free medical camp for sickle cell patients

Migori County will host a two-day free medical camp aimed at providing diagnostic, treatment, and counseling services to sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and vulnerable communities on August 18 and 19, 2025.

The outreach, spearheaded by Journeys By Grace Mission of Compassion in partnership with the Migori County Government, the Deputy Governor’s Office, and Rockhealth Integrated Care (RICO), is part of ongoing efforts to expand access to critical healthcare services in high-burden regions.

Services will be offered on August 18 at Igena Primary School and Kehancha Cereal Grounds, and on August 19 at Siabai Chiefs’ Camp and Ntimaru Cereal Grounds, starting from 8:30 a.m. each day.

Migori Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri, who is expected to preside over the event, said the initiative is part of the county’s broader public health outreach.

“Sickle cell is a silent crisis in Migori. We want to break the silence by bringing free, lifesaving services closer to those who need them most,” he said.
“The cost of treatment, stigma, and lack of early screening have made the fight against this disease even harder for families.”

Joining the event will be U.S.-based health advocate and program partner Dr. Joyce Duchess El, who emphasized the importance of equity in healthcare.

“This camp is about restoring dignity and hope to communities affected by sickle cell disease. Every child deserves access to diagnosis and care regardless of where they are born,” she said.

Wide range of services

The camp will provide general consultations, laboratory diagnostics, pharmacy services, dental care, cervical cancer screening, nutrition assessment, public health education, and specialized care for SCD patients.

“We’re offering more than just check-ups,” said Esther Anyango, a coordinator from Rockhealth Integrated Care.

“We’re addressing nutrition, mental health, and awareness—essential pillars in managing chronic illnesses like sickle cell.”

Sickle cell situation in Migori

According to county health records, 1,908 sickle cell patients were registered between January 2022 and May 2024. However, officials caution that the actual number could be much higher.

“Many people do not come forward due to stigma and myths surrounding the disease,” noted George Otieno, a senior health officer at the Migori County Department of Health.
“This makes early intervention and follow-up treatment difficult.”

Nationally, approximately 14,000 children are born with SCD annually. In high-burden counties like Migori, Kisumu, and Bungoma, up to 90 percent of affected children die before the age of five if left untreated, according to Ministry of Health data.

Medication access still a challenge

Even as Kenya rolls out the National Sickle Cell Disease Control and Management Guidelines, challenges remain.

A recent health study showed that only 30.7 percent of patients in western Kenya have access to hydroxyurea, a key medication in managing the condition. The drug costs around KSh 6,300 per month, putting it out of reach for most rural households.

“The high cost of treatment makes it nearly impossible for many to stick to long-term care,” said Dr. Mahiri.
“This is why camps like these, which offer free care and referrals, are so important.”

Tackling stigma through education

Beyond clinical services, the event will focus heavily on community education.

“We still hear cases where mothers are blamed for having children with sickle cell,” said Dr. El.
“Education is the strongest weapon we have to dismantle such stigma.”

Workshops during the camp will cover genotype screening, myths around inheritance, and nutritional guidance for caregivers.

A similar camp held in April 2024 at Igena screened over 180 people, revealing a high demand for sickle cell education and early diagnosis, according to the Department of Health.