News and Features
Building for the Future
The PEN-Plus clinic in eastern Uganda began as a gathering under a tree and has blossomed into a standalone structure with consultation and treatment rooms, a training center, and a pharmacy. “After years of carrying the extra burden of clinic days under a tree,” said Dr. Wubaye Dagnaw, the Network’s regional advisor for East Africa, “patients now receive their treatment in the setting they deserve.”
Surguja Sickle Cell People’s Health Conference in Chhattisgarh, India
Over 400 people came together on 1 October to advocate for the needs of people living with sickle cell disease in Chhattisgarh State in central India.
Undaunted Spirit Despite Dual Diagnoses
“Tawonashe is exactly the kind of patient for whom PEN-Plus was designed,” said Dr. Alvern Mutengerere, project manager for noncommunicable diseases at SolidarMed, the implementing partner for the PEN-Plus clinic in Masvingo.
From Patient to Advocate: “Sickle Cell Warrior” Eunice Owino’s Story
“We’re called sickle cell warriors because we’re fighters. Even though we experience excruciating bouts of pain, we can overcome.”
Voices of NCD Poverty Advocacy Fellow Leads Workshop on Understanding Global Burden of Sickle Cell Disease
More than 60 clinical experts, civil society members, people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), and NCD advocates from around the world came together on 25 August 2022 to discuss the burden and barriers of accessing care delivery for SCD in rural areas.
Network Promotes PEN-Plus at 4th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease
A team that included NCDI Poverty Network Co-Chair Dr. Gene Bukhman, Voices Advocacy Fellow Eunice Owino, and Advocacy & Training Associate Lauren Brown traveled to Paris in June to represent the Network and promote PEN-Plus at the 4th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).