Qcil commemorates Annual Sickle Cell Run 2026, calls for awareness
“To help support the fight against sickle cell disease, we recently launched locally manufactured Hydroxyurea, a development that will improve treatment access, reduce costs and strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical independence,” Kumar said.
Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) staff have a photo moment before taking part in the Annual Sickle Cell Run 2026. (Courtesy Photo)
KAMPALA - Officials at Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) say creating further awareness about sickle cell disease and improving access to diagnosis and treatment remains crucial in the efforts to curb its spread amongst Ugandans.
The call was made during the Annual Sickle Cell Run 2026 held last week in Kololo, an event organised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), that brought together patients, families, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, development partners and members of the public to raise awareness and mobilise resources to support communities affected by sickle cell disease.
According to Ajay Kumar, Qcil Chief Executive Officer, the company's participation demonstrates the growing role of the private sector in supporting public health initiatives, particularly those focused on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and access to essential medicines.
“To help support the fight against sickle cell disease, we recently launched locally manufactured Hydroxyurea, a development that will improve treatment access, reduce costs and strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical independence,” Kumar said.
Kumar said local production of the medicine should be viewed not only as a pharmaceutical milestone but also as part of broader efforts to strengthen Uganda's capacity to respond to long-term public health challenges.
He said the Sickle Cell Run provides an important platform to educate the public about the condition, which is inherited and affects the production and function of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
“Through our participation, Qcil joins other stakeholders in encouraging communities to seek early testing and appropriate medical care while helping to challenge misconceptions and stigma associated with sickle cell disease,” he said.
According to Kumar, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies have a role to play in strengthening the health system beyond supplying medicines by supporting public education campaigns and initiatives that promote access to essential healthcare services.
She said the main objective of the run is to create awareness about the disease while also supporting efforts to improve access to treatment.
“We are not running just to buy the drug. Our main focus is to create awareness, because prevention is better than cure. Yes, we also want to support government efforts to improve access to Hydroxyurea,” Mugide said.
The Ministry of Health estimates that about 20,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda annually, while approximately 30 percent of the population carries the sickle cell gene.
Proceeds from the run will go towards buying hydroxyurea that will later be donated to the people of Busoga Kingdom.
Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that more than 300,000 children are born with sickle cell disease each year, with the majority of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.