Rotarians push for mass sickle cell testing across Uganda
The Ministry of Health says more than 500,000 children have been tested over the past 10 years, with more than 34,000 found positive for the disease. However, experts warn that sickle cell disease remains a major threat, especially to children.
The Rotary Club of Kiwafu Breeze has partnered with Nsambya Hospital to build a sh22.5b sickle cell centre. (Photo by Eria Luyimbazi )
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Low awareness about sickle cell disease in Uganda is worrying health experts and Rotarians, despite signs that some cases may be reducing.
The Ministry of Health says more than 500,000 children have been tested over the past 10 years, with more than 34,000 found positive for the disease. However, experts warn that sickle cell disease remains a major threat, especially to children.
Dr Stephen Lutoti, secretary general of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, said around 25,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year in Uganda. Sadly, about 80% of them die before reaching the age of five because of late diagnosis, poor access to treatment and low public awareness.
Although some districts, such as Budaka, have reported fewer suspected cases, health officials believe this may be due to reduced screening and reporting, rather than an actual decline in infections. In Bukedea district, recent school screenings found 249 positive cases among 1,871 students tested, indicating that the disease remains widespread.
Globally, sickle cell disease affects about 7.7 million people, with most cases found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda ranks fifth in Africa among countries with the highest burden of the disease. Northern Uganda remains the most affected region.
In response, the Rotary Club of Kiwafu Breeze has partnered with Nsambya Hospital to build a sh22.5b sickle cell centre. The facility will support treatment, awareness campaigns and community mobilisation. Construction is expected to begin in September. The revelation was confirmed on Friday evening.
The club’s new president, Erostus Wilberforce Njuki Nsubuga, said more organisations and individuals need to join the fight against the disease through teamwork, awareness and mass testing.
Past Rotary president Cynthia Baitwa of Muyenga Breeze said many Ugandans still do not understand how dangerous sickle cell disease is. She urged awareness campaigns to target schools and young people before they start families.
Jameal Kasujja Muwanga of the Uganda Sickle Cell Foundation said many people still view the disease as a taboo or associate it with witchcraft, making the fight against it even harder.
Former finance minister Gerald Ssendaula called on all Rotary clubs in Uganda to make sickle cell awareness one of their main projects, similar to campaigns against malaria and cancer.
Rotarians agreed that more awareness, testing and support are needed to save the lives of Ugandan children living with sickle cell disease.