The Redemptorist Solidarity Office is improving survival and care for children with Sickle Cell Disease in Mbanza-Ngungu, where low awareness and limited diagnostics delay treatment. Through community outreach and education, over 6,200 people have been reached, reducing stigma and encouraging testing. By integrating awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, the programme is building a sustainable model of care despite limited resources.
Ensuring that children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can survive and lead healthier lives remains a priority for the Redemptorist Solidarity Office (RSO) and its partners. In Mbanza-Ngungu Health Zone, limited diagnostic services and persistent misconceptions continue to delay timely care for vulnerable families.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells become abnormally shaped, leading to pain, infections, and serious health complications. The disease primarily affects children, who are especially vulnerable and often experience repeated illness that can disrupt their growth, education, and overall well-being. In many communities in Mbanza-Ngungu, SCD is still poorly understood and sometimes perceived as the result of witchcraft or a curse, leading to stigma, discrimination, and even the isolation of affected children. This lack of understanding among families can delay appropriate care, expose children to neglect, and increase their vulnerability, even though SCD is a hereditary condition that requires early diagnosis and continuous medical support.
Through the SCD Health Development Programme, implemented by the Redemptorist Centre Poly-médical Frère Benjamin Kiphalu (CPFBK), efforts are focused on strengthening awareness, early diagnosis, and access to quality care.
Community sensitisation has been central to the programme. Through radio broadcasts, outreach in schools, universities and colleges (where young people often meet and form relationships leading to marriage), parishes, and engagement by local health workers, more than 6,200 people have been reached. This has improved understanding of SCD, encouraged informed decision-making, and increased willingness to seek testing.
Screening services have expanded steadily, with over 1,200 individuals tested. Among them, 247 were identified as carriers (AS), representing a significant risk of genetic transmission if not addressed through awareness and counselling. In addition, 71 new SCD (SS) cases were identified and are now linked to structured follow-up care.
Clinical care has been strengthened at CPFBK, where 136 children are currently enrolled in regular follow-up. Since the programme began, 214 consultations and emergency cases have been managed, all resulting in clinical improvement, with no deaths recorded among children in care. This reflects improved continuity of care and a stronger focus on preventive management.
To support both clinical and home-based care, 320 therapeutic kits have been distributed. These include emergency kits for acute crises and prevention kits that help families manage symptoms early and reduce complications.
The programme has also invested in local capacity, with 51 health workers trained across the health zone. This has strengthened community outreach, referral systems, and continuity of care, while improved coordination and data systems are reinforcing service delivery.
By linking awareness, screening, and treatment within existing health services, the programme is building a more sustainable model of care. CPFBK is progressively emerging as a reference centre for SCD management in the region.
Implementation is on track, with growing community engagement and increased access to care. This experience shows that even in fragile and resource-constrained contexts such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, meaningful progress is possible through awareness, early diagnosis, and continuous care.
The Redemptorist Solidarity Office (RSO) Team
(Source: www.africaredemptorists.com/)
