Lira takes lead as sickle cell cases rise in northern Uganda
Dr Bernard Otucu, the Lira city health officer, revealed that the city now bears the brunt of Uganda’s sickle cell burden, with a significant number of cases originating in rural districts and ending up at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH).
Minister Aceng and National Sickle Cell Coordinator, Dr. Cahrles Kiyaga display a dummy signed as the Ministry launched the documents developed to streamline the sickle cell fight in the country. This was at the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day commemoration at Lira City Mayor's Garden. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)
By Hudson Apunyo and Joseph Ekol
Journalists @New Vision
LIRA - On World Sickle Cell Day, Lira city emerged as a key voice in Uganda’s fight against the genetic blood disorder, with health leaders calling for urgent action, expanded screening, and collective responsibility to curb the rising number of cases. Participants match along the Obote Avenue in Lira City ahead of the World Sickle Cell Day commemoration on Thursday. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)
Dr Bernard Otucu, the Lira city health officer, revealed that the city now bears the brunt of Uganda’s sickle cell burden, with a significant number of cases originating in rural districts and ending up at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH).
“Most patients come from rural areas, yet testing is only available at LRRH,” he said. “We appeal to the Ministry of Health and development partners to install a testing machine at Ober HCIV to ease access and reduce congestion.”
At LRRH, the statistics are alarming. According to the hospital director, Dr Andrew Odur, the facility’s sickle cell clinic has enrolled over 1,400 children, 80% of whom are already receiving hydroxyurea, a life-saving medication. But the clinic is stretched beyond its capacity.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health and National Medical Stores for consistently supplying essential drugs. But with these growing numbers, we must decentralise care,” Dr Odur urged.
He disclosed that LRRH has trained health workers across the Lango Sub-region to manage sickle cell cases and shared plans to establish satellite clinics in Orum, Alebtong, Anyeke, Ogur HCIV and Apac Hospital. Apac, he noted, is already constructing its own sickle cell clinic.
At the maternity ward, newborns at LRRH are routinely screened for the disease. Those with inconclusive results are referred to Kampala for confirmation. Dr Odur also highlighted the role of cultural practices in the spread of the disease across the region.
“Traditionally, Lango had only three clans. Now, there are 175. People unknowingly marry within the same lineage, increasing the chances of producing children with sickle cell,” he said, urging cultural leaders to promote premarital screening.
He also called on civil society organisations to intensify grassroots awareness campaigns.
'Sickle cell not just a health problem'
National sickle cell coordinator, Dr Charles Kiyaga, made an emotional appeal, urging Ugandans to take personal responsibility in the fight against sickle cell.
“This is not just a health issue. It’s social, cultural and economic. Whether you are a parent, teacher, religious or cultural leader, you can do something, even if it’s simply passing on a message,” he said.
He praised Uganda’s progress in combating the disease, noting that it is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to: map the national burden of sickle cell, initiate countrywide newborn screening, and develop national sickle cell programmes.
This year’s global theme, “Remit Blood”, highlights the critical need for blood transfusions, as sickle cell patients account for 100% of blood usage in some areas.
“Blood cannot be manufactured. A single donation can save a life,” Dr Kiyaga reminded attendees.
A call to action
Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, a daughter of the region, reaffirmed the government’s commitment.
“Everything needed for care is available at the regional hospitals,” she said. “But it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent sickle cell.”
Dr Aceng announced that testing machines would soon be deployed to Ongica and Ober Health Centres to improve access to diagnostic services. She also noted that over 200 clinics have been opened across the country, including in 13 regional referral hospitals, though more are still needed.
During the same event, the Ministry of Health launched five policy documents to guide medical personnel in the management and care of sickle cell patients. These are expected to strengthen the national response.
Hope amidst hardship
Despite the uphill battle, Dr Kiyaga struck a hopeful tone:
“Every small action makes a big difference. Let us rise to the occasion—not just today, but every day. Let us ensure that sickle cell does not remain a silent killer in our communities.”
As Uganda advances in the global fight, Lira stands as both a beacon of commitment and a rallying call to action for the entire nation.