Kenyan sickle cell patient seeks to medically end his life in Belgium
By Charity Nginyu
At just 29 years old, Joe Mudukiza has been battling sickle cell anaemia for years. Despite his struggles, he has remained resilient, determined to find a solution to his debilitating condition.
However, his journey has taken a devastating turn as he now faces a heartbreaking decision.
“The doctor tried to manage the pain; I declined painkillers because I don’t want to depend on them. We just wanted to manage the pain using hydration but couldn’t since all my veins and IV lines have collapsed,” Mudukiza revealed, shedding light on the challenges he has encountered in his quest for relief.
Despite his efforts, Mudukiza had been unable to raise the KSh 750,000 needed for treatment. Multiple online appeals have yielded little success, leaving him with few options. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Belgium Euthanasia Board offered him KSh 3 million to undergo mercy killing.
According to Belgian laws, the board cannot transfer the money to Mudukiza for treatment. Faced with limited resources and mounting medical expenses, Mudukiza made the difficult decision to seek euthanasia assistance in Belgium, where it is legal.
Latest reports have it that Mudukiza is set to undergo the treatment that he could not afford earlier. With the support of some organizations, he is hopeful that he will finally receive the care he desperately needs.
