bold idea
Improve the survival and well-being for individuals with sickle cell disease in rural Kenya by increasing access to high quality, affordable care in local communities.
organization overview
Africa Sickle Cell Organisation (ASCO) seeks to save the lives of those with sickle cell disease in rural Africa. ASCO co-creates regional sickle cell programs to make care available, accessible, affordable, and timely.ASCO’s approach focuses on diving deeper to better understand and address the societal factors and barriers that impact health outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease.
Alongside patients, ASCO collaborates with government and stakeholders to ensure sustainable access to sickle cell disease care across communities. ASCO envisions an Africa where individuals born with sick cell disease can thrive and achieve full potential.
Personal Bio
Lea Masamo Bey is the founder and executive director of Africa Sickle Cell Organisation (ASCO). As one of three siblings with sickle cell disease (SCD) in her family, Lea envisions a world where people with SCD can thrive.
A combination of personal experiences — the passing of her sister, navigating unspeakable social stigmas, and facing health complications due to a lack of access to quality care — cemented Lea’s resolve to solve sickle cell disease. Prior to founding ASCO, she embarked on a photographic journey, capturing 400 stories from the most SCD-affected regions. This project unveiled the stark realities of people with sickle cell disease, and its impact led to the creation of the National Guidelines for Management and Control of SCD in Kenya.
Lea’s work has been featured in the BBC, The Guardian, CNN, and Think Global Health. She was recognized as a Sickle Cell Champion in Kenya, receiving an award from Kenya’s president. Lea is a senior fellow at The Aspen Institute. She holds a bachelor of science in international business and a master of science in global health delivery.
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Impact Location ?
Countries or continents that were the primary focus of this Fellow’s work at the time of their Fellowship.
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Organization Structure ?
An organization can be structured as a nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid (a structure that incorporates both nonprofit and for-profit elements).
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