Uganda to start producing medicine for sickle cell anaemia

KAMPALA - Uganda is planning to start local production of hydroxyurea, a key medication in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia.

The move is aimed at improving access to care and reducing deaths among thousands of affected children.

“This drug is a wonder treatment. It turns the lives of these children around," said Dr Miriam Ajango, the national coordinator for sickle cell disease at the Ministry of Health.
"Hydroxyurea helps to reduce painful episodes, prevents complications and significantly improves survival among patients with sickle cell disease."

Ajango made the remarks on Thursday in Kampala during the launch of locally manufactured diagnostic test kits for sickle cell disease alongside those for HIV and malaria.

The kits, developed by Microhaem Scientific, are expected to significantly expand testing across the country, including in lower-level health facilities.

“These kits [for sickle cell disease] are very sensitive and can detect over 96 per cent of cases, even in newborns,” said Ajango, noting that traditional methods often struggled to detect sickle cell disease early due to the presence of foetal haemoglobin in infants.

The plan to establish a local manufacturing facility for hydroxyurea comes amid a growing national effort to tackle the heavy burden of sickle cell disease, which remains one of Uganda's most neglected but deadly conditions.

Access to the drug has been inconsistent, with frequent stockouts reported in health facilities across the country.

Health minister Jane Ruth Aceng remarks. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

'Informed decisions'

Uganda is among the countries most affected by sickle cell disease globally, ranking fifth in Africa in terms of prevalence. 

According to the health ministry, about 600,000 Ugandans carry the sickle cell trait, while an estimated 20,000 babies are born with the disease every year.

“Many of these children do not survive. Up to 80 per cent of children born with sickle cell disease die before their fifth birthday if they are not diagnosed and treated early,” said Ajango.

She said the burden has long been underestimated due to limited testing capacity, with most screening previously targeting only high-risk groups.

To address this, the government in February rolled out mandatory nationwide screening for all newborns, a major policy shift aimed at ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment.

“We want every child to know their sickle cell status at birth. If we detect the disease early, we can start treatment before complications set in and give these children a chance to live longer, healthier lives," said Ajango.

Prime Minister Rt.Hon.Robinah Nabbanja launched three locally manufactured diagnosis test kits during the Build Uganda, Buy Uganda (BUBU) initiative at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, April 02 2026. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The locally made kits will be provided to public health facilities without straining their budgets and will also be available in the private sector, improving access for the wider population.

“This means more Ugandans can easily know their status. When people know their status, they make informed decisions, including in marriage and family planning," said Ajango.

The government is also stepping up awareness campaigns to encourage testing among young people, especially those of reproductive age, to reduce the risk of children being born with the disease.

Sickle cell disease occurs when both parents carry the trait, giving a 25 per cent chance of having an affected child.

Beyond testing and treatment, officials say local production of hydroxyurea will be critical in ensuring a stable and affordable supply of the drug.

The planned factory for this is part of a broader push by the government to promote local manufacturing of health commodities, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the country’s health system.