3 out of every 5 residents who walked in and were screened were presenting with diabetic symptoms which if extrapolated points at a concerning health situation in the locality.
Read MoreChronic Diseases Society-Africa
We are a patient-led organization, partnered with healthcare professionals, committed to transforming the chronic disease landscape in Africa. Through evidence-based research, we aim to improve patient outcomes by conducting disease surveillance, providing prevalence reports, offering patient support interventions, and delivering technical training with AI technology and clinical decision support systems from Mayo Clinic. Additionally, we advise on policy matters in collaboration with local governments and regulators.
Our Focus Areas
1
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and coronary artery disease, are a leading cause of death in Africa. The Chronic Disease Society of Africa (CDSA) will prioritize early detection, prevention, and treatment by advocating for widespread access to affordable screening tools and medications. With the rise of urbanization and changing lifestyles, we aim to drive awareness programs targeting risk factors like obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. By partnering with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and local communities, CDSA seeks to reduce the incidence of heart-related diseases, ensuring early interventions and management protocols are well-established. Desired Outcome: A measurable reduction in CVD morbidity and mortality through increased awareness, improved healthcare access, and community-driven prevention initiatives.
2
Oncology (Cancer)
Africa faces significant challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with limited access to diagnostic facilities and oncology care. CDSA aims to bridge these gaps by fostering research and data-sharing networks that will highlight the specific cancer burden across the continent. By advocating for enhanced cancer screening programs, early diagnosis, and affordable treatment options, the Society seeks to mitigate the late-stage diagnoses common in Africa. We will also work to strengthen partnerships with governments and private stakeholders to improve access to cancer care facilities, while empowering communities with knowledge about cancer prevention and self-screening practices. Desired Outcome: Improved survival rates due to earlier detection, increased access to treatments, and heightened cancer awareness across Africa.
3
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
The burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often exacerbated by environmental factors like air pollution and indoor biomass fuel use. CDSA will emphasize both the clinical management of these diseases and environmental interventions. By launching advocacy campaigns to improve air quality and promoting the use of clean cooking solutions, CDSA will complement clinical care efforts. Research collaborations will also help identify CRD hotspots across Africa, guiding resource allocation for prevention and treatment programs. Desired Outcome: A reduction in CRD-related hospitalizations and deaths, driven by improved air quality, increased awareness, and enhanced access to respiratory healthcare services.
4
Psychiatry (Mental Health)
Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are often stigmatized and under-addressed in African healthcare systems. The Society will push for the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, ensuring that individuals with psychiatric conditions receive timely, compassionate, and effective care. By leveraging telemedicine and digital mental health platforms, CDSA seeks to reach underserved populations and destigmatize mental health discussions. Training healthcare professionals in the recognition and management of psychiatric conditions will be a core aspect of this initiative. Desired Outcome: Increased mental health service accessibility, reduced stigma, and improved mental well-being for individuals across Africa.
5
Diabetes and Endocrinology
Diabetes is an escalating public health challenge in Africa, with high rates of undiagnosed cases leading to complications like retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. CDSA aims to implement community-driven education campaigns that encourage early testing and lifestyle modifications to manage blood sugar levels. By facilitating partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations, the Society will work towards expanding access to diabetes care and medications. Additionally, research into Africa-specific factors driving diabetes prevalence will help tailor interventions and treatment strategies. Desired Outcome: A decrease in diabetes-related complications through improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and patient education on disease management.
6
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed in African healthcare settings. CDSA will focus on improving diagnostic capabilities and clinician awareness through specialized training and education. By supporting research into the prevalence and patterns of autoimmune diseases in African populations, the Society seeks to improve early detection and create treatment frameworks that cater to local contexts. We will also work to ensure that medications for these conditions are both accessible and affordable. Desired Outcome: Enhanced diagnostic accuracy and earlier intervention for autoimmune disorders, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.
7
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently until its late stages, requiring costly and invasive treatments like dialysis or transplants. CDSA’s approach will focus on prevention through routine screening for risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, which are leading causes of CKD. The Society will promote policies that support early detection, patient education on kidney health, and the expansion of dialysis services in rural areas. By collaborating with both public and private healthcare providers, we aim to make CKD treatment more accessible and affordable. Desired Outcome: A significant decrease in the number of patients requiring dialysis or transplants through early intervention and greater access to preventive care.
Our Membership
Patients (Chronic Categories)
Patients are at the core of our mandate as all efforts are directed towards better patient journeys to improve adherence and compliance, enlighten them on effective monitoring of adverse effects of medication, promote advocacy and policy shift to their favor, and enhance engagement with Specialists for better disease remission for dignified patient journeys.
09/01/2022HealthCare Practitioners
Healthcare practitioners play a pivotal role in guiding patient journeys, from prevention and awareness to diagnosis, disease management, and, ultimately, patient outcomes. Our noble mandate prioritizes organizing patient groups within our membership and establishing linkages to the best available care, all aimed at enhancing the overall patient experience.
11/20/2022Partners
Our Partners are the backbone of our patients and by extension our operations as an organization. From the Regulators to Donors, we sustain our partnership with Global Research Leads such as JLL and Uzima University in Kisumu City Kenya form our anchorage in dynamic Health Space that leads us to holding continuous meaningful sustainable engagement.
01/03/2023Governments of Member Countries in Africa
We are currently opening different chapters in each of the 7 East African Countries to expand beyond into new regions with expanded resources. Governments being the custodians of the wellbeing of their people are the biggest partners we have in improving the NCD focus to help improve the quality of Life in Africa.
01/15/2024Our Action Points
Awareness of Disease
CDS-A spearheads community outreach programs, health campaigns, and digital platforms to educate the public about chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer. These efforts aim to raise awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and early detection strategies to empower patients and their families with knowledge that can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Consideration:
Through partnerships with healthcare professionals and educational institutions, CDS-A facilitates patient-centered workshops and support groups. These activities are designed to address patient concerns, preferences, and experiences before formal care delivery, ensuring a more empathetic and personalized approach to chronic disease management.
Access:
CDS-A works closely with local governments, healthcare providers, and international organizations to enhance access to affordable, high-quality medical services. This includes organizing medical camps, advocating for better healthcare policies, and facilitating access to necessary medications and therapies for underserved communities.
Service Delivery and Ongoing Care:
The Society implements a holistic model of chronic care that goes beyond treatment, focusing on continuous follow-up and patient engagement. This includes monitoring patient adherence to treatment plans, improving the quality of post-care service delivery, and offering long-term support through patient education, telemedicine, and regular check-ins to ensure ongoing management of their conditions.
Team
Ms.Faith Okwisa Okwayo
ChairPerson
With a background in Medical Research, Pharmacovigilance, and patient support in her career life, Ms.Faith Okwisa Okwayo comes on board with a rich experience and desire to alleviate the painful afterdiagnosis process for patients. Her over One Decade experience in High level Medical Research and clinical trials sets her as our Vision Bearer and guide on the organizations progress. Faith is also a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi and she majored in Operations Research.
Joe Mathai
Vice-Chairperson
In his position as Vice-Chairperson, Joe Mathai works closely with the Chairperson to ensure smooth governance and to provide leadership in policy development and organizational strategy. Joe brings on board a load of resource mobilization networks.
Dr.Dickens Onyango (Epidemiologist)
Board Member in charge of Research
Dr. Dickens Onyango (Epidemiologist) is a dedicated Board Member in charge of leading and overseeing the research activities within the team. He is responsible for setting the research agenda, guiding the team in conducting significant research projects and ensuring the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of epidemiology. Dr.Onyango, MB, ChB, is also the county director of health for Kisumu, Kenya, and a medical epidemiologist. He is a co-investigator for SMART-DAPPER. He completed his Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2013 from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi in 2005. He is a co-director of the Kenya Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site, conducting surveillance on definitive causes of death among children aged less than 5 years employing minimally invasive autopsy. He has also been involved in other collaborative research studies including mortuary surveillance of HIV-associated mortality in Kisumu and evaluation of partner notification services among adults with recent and chronic HIV Infections in Western Kenya.
Dr.Miriam Kaingo
Board Member in Charge of Membership Coordination
Dr Miriam Kaingo is a medical doctor specialised in Health Policy Planning and Financing. She has over 10 years of experience in both the Public and private Health sector. She has relentlessly promoted the collaboration between Health providers and patients to for better patient outcomes. As a Co-Founder of Mirazi Specialist clinic she has innovatively utilised telehealth to promote effective patient follow up and patient education for non-communicable disease.She is a believer in walking the journey post-diagnosis with the patient in a manageable way. This she observes helps with ensuring the treatment costs do not overpower the patients. finances and human resources.
Adv.Maxwell Mwirigi
Board Member in charge of Legal Compliance
Adv.Maxwell Mwirigi holds the position of Board Member in charge of Legal Compliance. He is responsible for ensuring that the team operates within the legal framework and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Brian Odhiambo Otieno
Board Member in charge of Communication
As the Board Member in charge of Communication, Brian Odhiambo Otieno plays a crucial role in shaping our organization's external and internal communication policies. His leadership ensures that every communication reflects the organization's values and mission, fostering a stronger community connection and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Odhiambo has in the past worked as the Programs Director for the Ida Odinga Trust, Executive trustee of Prof.Tom Ojienda Foundation and as continues to serve as a communication consultant for various firms in Kenya and beyond.
Our Partners
Events
Don't miss the Chronic Illnesses Roundtable where experts will share valuable insights on coping with long-term health conditions.
Free Diabetes Medical Camp in Siaya! Don’t Miss Out! Siaya County, 5th October 2024 – Something BIG is happening in Siaya, and YOU are invited!
Sickle Cell Community Reach
News
Our Chairperson Faith Okwisa Okwayo shares with the media our shared experience after the Sega Medical Camp held in Siaya Kenya by the ICT CS ELIUD OWALO Foundation. Follow our website www.cds-a.org for future medical camps and conferences as scheduled.
Read MoreThis is a generic article you can use for adding article content / subjects on your website.
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Read MoreLearn about the advantages of becoming a member of the CDSA Society, including access to resources, support networks, and advocacy for African patients with chronic illnesses.
Read MoreEmpowering African Patients: How CDSA Society Offers Hope and Resources for Chronic Illness Manageme
Exploring how the CDSA Society is providing hope and essential resources for African patients dealing with chronic illnesses, highlighting the impact and support offered by the organization.
Read MoreWelcome
The Chronic Diseases Society of Africa is dedicated to providing patient care and support for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of patients with chronic diseases through education, advocacy, and access to resources.
We strive to create a supportive community where patients can find the information and assistance they need to manage their conditions effectively.
With a focus on health improvement, we aim to empower patients and their families to navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses while maintaining a high quality of life.
We strive to create a supportive community where patients can find the information and assistance they need to manage their conditions effectively.
With a focus on health improvement, we aim to empower patients and their families to navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses while maintaining a high quality of life.
