Jenny Hippocrate visits Mayotte

Jenny Hippocrate, president of the Association for Information and Prevention of Sickle Cell Disease (APIPD), is visiting Mayotte to assess the needs of patients with sickle cell disease. In a context of limited resources and difficulties accessing care, she aims to raise the concerns of families with local health authorities.

Health system challenges highlighted

"There are major shortcomings in Mayotte," she stated after visiting the hospital. She expressed concerns about the support for individuals with sickle cell disease, noting a lack of equipment and human resources. According to Hippocrate, emergency care must be improved. Her visit aims to gather the needs of patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

High infant mortality in Mayotte

This initiative takes place in a territory where infant mortality remains high. According to INSEE, Mayotte has a rate of 10.4 deaths before the age of one year per 1,000 live births for the period 2022-2024, compared to 3.7 in mainland France. These figures cover all causes of death and do not specifically measure mortality related to sickle cell disease. Mahoran data on deaths may also be underestimated, the institute notes.

Transport barriers for patients

"There are populations very far from the healthcare system," Hippocrate said, mentioning the difficulties faced by some foreign families, including Comorian families. She proposed a practical solution to facilitate their mobility. "Why not have a car to pick up" the patients, she suggested. The goal is to reduce barriers to prompt care.

Support for local organizations

"I want to bring the population closer to the healthcare system, the population that is on the fringes," she emphasized. She also aims to support the local association Drep'Action, which, according to her, lacks premises. "I have already proposed certain things to help them, particularly financially," she said.

Sickle cell disease and its risks

Sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder, can lead to complications from the first months of life. The High Authority for Health highlights the importance of screening and early care to reduce risks. In children under five years old, infections are the leading cause of death.

Importance of awareness and education

For Hippocrate, support also involves informing families and recognizing the suffering of patients. "Do not underestimate the pain," she insisted. She advocates for therapeutic education to help patients understand their bodies and identify symptoms that may signal a complication. "When you know your enemy, the battle is already half won," she summarized.

Personal motivation and experience

Her commitment was born from the diagnosis of her son, who has sickle cell disease for more than thirty years. "I realized this was the great battle of my life," she said. Today, she wants to continue this fight among Mahoran families by strengthening prevention and combating the taboos surrounding the disease.

Public health efforts in Mayotte

In Mayotte, sickle cell disease is a public health issue. According to figures reported in June 2026, two newborns per day are identified as healthy carriers, without developing the disease. Two carrier parents can still pass it on to their child. The Mayotte Hospital Center is developing screening and support actions for future parents, alongside public awareness efforts.