Sickle cell patients seek herbal remedies during science summit

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Recent research initiatives on alternative therapies for sickle cell disease at Gulu University have attracted considerable attention, leading to over 20 patients seeking herbal treatments provided by university researchers.

Dr Alice Veronica Lamwaka, a clinical pharmacist and principal investigator of the project titled "Exploring Traditional Plant-Based Remedies for Sickle Cell Conditions and Complications in Northern Uganda," reported attending to these patients in just two days, many of whom travelled from different regions after learning of her involvement in the summit through media coverage. 

This was on Monday, June 16, 2025, during the first National Science Summit, part of the National Science week 2025, organised by the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation-Office of the President in partnership with Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Busitema University. The event is being held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala city.

Lamwaka highlighted the socioeconomic challenges faced by many patients, stating that conventional treatments like hydroxyurea, priced between shillings 2,000 and 3,000, are financially burdensome for low-income families already dealing with the ongoing costs of managing sickle cell disease.

During an interview, Lamwaka noted a significant turnout at the Gulu University booth, where numerous individuals inquired about access to herbal treatments for themselves or their children.

One patient, who asked to remain anonymous, recounted leaving her job as a social worker due to debilitating pain, expressing desperation for viable remedies given her failed attempts with modern medical treatments.

The research at Gulu University is focused on the systematic evaluation of various indigenous plants traditionally recognised for their potential in alleviating symptoms associated with sickle cell disease.

The objective is to isolate and identify the 10 most prevalent plants for further standardisation and formulation into effective therapeutic agents.

On October 19, 2024, the Government endorsed this research initiative, allocating shillings 330 million through the Science, Technology, and Innovation programme.

However, Lamwaka emphasized that this funding is insufficient, with a comprehensive budget in need of billions of shillings for the project’s completion, targeted for November 2026.

Current statistics from the health ministry indicate that the sickle cell prevalence in the Acholi region is approximately 13.3%, with a distressing statistic of 33,000 infants being born with sickle cell disease, 80% of whom do not survive past their fifth birthday.

In response to these alarming figures, Gulu University has established a living gene bank to cultivate plants that can be employed in the development of potential remedies.

Lamwaka acknowledged that while the herbal treatments are still in the research and development phase, select patients in critical conditions have begun to receive them in natural formulations.

Reports from individuals such as Elon Agumemwe from Kampala indicate stabilizing health conditions after two months of using these herbal remedies.

Additionally, Lamwaka has received numerous inquiries from sickle cell patients across East and West Africa, who have learned about the potential of these herbal products through various media channels.

On the same day, science minister Dr Monica Musenero launched a clinical trial report detailing the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of herbal products for treating acute respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, as part of the phase 2a open-label clinical trial.

During the launch, Musenero reaffirmed the commitment of researchers to develop herbal solutions addressing an array of health challenges while advising them to safeguard their intellectual property through copyright measures to prevent potential intellectual theft.

She also urged adherence to national and international health regulations governing the pharmaceutical development process, ensuring the integrity and efficacy of medicinal products.