ABSTRACT
The burden of sickle cell disease is largely borne by the African continent where access to early diagnosis and management interventions is a great challenge. Inequitable access to healthcare coupled with lack of advocacy strategies to educate the affected communities has resulted in mystery and misinformation about the disease. The individuals living with the disease and their families are often faced with harsh experiences as they go about their everyday activities. Stigmatization has resulted in separation of families due to claims of infidelity because of a lack of understanding on how the disease is acquired. Stigma from the community also contributes to psychosocial challenges, the individuals and families end up shying away from accessing healthcare and education services. Delay in accessing healthcare greatly hampers the survival of the affected children. The impact of stigma has been documented, and there are efforts towards mitigating its impact though this needs substantial support by local governments. There is a need for governments to invest in strategies that will give the affected families relief in dealing with the condition and encourage them to reduce further transmission of the disease.
