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{
    "id": 905173,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/905173/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 294,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13119,
        "legal_name": "Agnes Zani",
        "slug": "agnes-zani"
    },
    "content": "are able to control the pain. You can imagine what that means. Already, from some predisposition, for example, if a person has not had a lot of liquid as required or low level of oxygen for whatever reason, may be, as a result of anemia or for participating on a sport or a cold, it precipitates. The pain starts slowly but it builds up. However, we need to have centres like the TCC, where immediately the pain begins, it is managed through variations of medication and right dosage is given to immediately stop the pain. There are people who have lived in such countries who have sickle cell disease and you would not know. If somewhere else, somebody can have that level of quality of life, why can we not have that here? To a large extent, these issues are about stigma. However, in our case, the level is not so much about stigma; it is more about paying attention to a disease that has not paid attention to before. Therefore, this calls to identify the various organisations, for example, the ones that have support systems and groups of people who are living with sickle cell anemia so that they can come together and find ways and means to put this together. This is a good begging point and the Motion fits to be in the Senate because it seeks to ensure that we have nationwide centres and satellite clinics for sickle cell disease at county, sub-county and ward levels. It is not just about ensuring that we have the centres but we also need to ensure that the dynamics that go with it are in place. First of all, people have to understand the disease. We need to ensure that there is medication and guidance and counseling and also put in place measures of reducing the stigma, so that when people go to those centres, they should feel okay. People should also inform others because sometimes people do not tell others about diseases they suffer from. Other people also misconjecture the disease thus making the situation worse. This has been predominant. More research should be done in Kenya, so that we get the actual numbers. We should correlate the disease with, for example, geographical location, so that we know how best people should be supported. I know many children with sickle cell who attend school. They interact with others and lead a normal life but sometimes it is sad. They feel helpless when there is an attack. Sometimes they try to control the pain without knowing how to address the situation. Most hospitals give basic medication to alleviate the pain. However, a more comprehensive methodology should be used so that the issue is addressed once and for all. We should have comprehensive information and care and conduct public awareness. We should also have routine health data and national recognised treatment guidelines. National recognised treatment guidelines are important because everybody has a different approach. We need to find ways of changing “sickle-shaped” red blood cells back to the normal shape. Madam Temporary Speaker, I do not know what inspired Sen. Shiyonga but this Motion is important. It touches on thousands of Kenyans who have been waiting for such a moment to come, so that the issue is addressed. We need to ensure that counties, sub-counties and wards have centres that deal with the disease. This also touches on the issue of funding and having budgets. However, sometimes, it is about affirmative action and putting your voice loud. For example, many people now talk about cancer thus raising awareness. That injects the necessary The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}