Using educational materials to help reduce stigma around Sickle Cell Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Problem
A client came to Jumo Health to create the beginning of a multi-faceted, robust educational program to educate around sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the time, there were very limited resources in existence to help the general population understand and normalize this disease.
Objectives
Help address challenges faced throughout the patient and caregiver journey.
“Remove the mystery” around the disease by addressing stigma, cultural sensitivities and health literacy.
Infuse a tone of hope throughout the stories to empower patients.
Educate the audience on what SCD is, how it affects the body, and how it can be managed.
Solutions
Jumo Health created four comic books. Each is catered to a different audience – young children, teens, adults, and caregivers / families. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana helped identify the right patients and caregivers to interview. The Jumo Health team interviewed people living with and caring for those with Sickle Cell Disease to get a real first-hand look at life with SCD. These comic books are loosely based off of the anecdotes, stories, and learnings that were gathered from these interviews. As we were finalizing the books, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana reviewed the content and gave it their stamp of approval.
