Jinja residents participated in the Sickle Cell Marathon in Jinja City to raise awareness for sickle cell prevention in the Busoga sub-region.

The marathon saw runners who included students from Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA), competing in the 5km category in Jinja City on Saturday. Busoga Kingdom's second deputy Prime Minister Osman Ahmed Noor was chief runner.   

The 3rd edition of the run, organised by Raising Hope International, a Civil Society Organisation based in Bukoto, aimed at creating awareness for sickle cell took place in Jinj City, and the flag-off was at Whisper Children’s Hospital located at Madhvani Road.

Runners started their 5-kilometre run from Madhvani Road to Wako Close, School Lane, Clive Road West, Mainstreet, Radio Road, and back to Madhvani Road where the finish point was.

According to Owek. Osman, Busoga sub-region has the highest infection rate of Sickle Cell disease in Uganda adding that over 5000 infants are born with sickle cell trait annually, and of those, about 80% die before the age of 5 years.    

Owek. Osman said that these are alarming numbers that they are supposed to reduce or eradicate with a collective effort.
 
He also took the opportunity to thank Busoga Kingdom, Fortebet, and Stabex International for the support it has rendered to achieve the goal of getting a sickle cell testing machine. 

He further called upon the media houses in Busoga particularly Radios to carry out sensitization to see that people get to know the disease and how to prevent it.

Isaac Okello, the Executive Director of Raising Hope International said proceeds from the previous marathons were used to purchase a Sickle Cell testing machine which was worth $5000.

Okello said increased advocacy and mass sensitisation will continue across the country to reach the masses.

Dorothy Mpiima, a former Buikwe district Woman Member of Parliament said there has been a lot of Sickle cell anemia, and marriages have broken up and families have disintegrated.

William Katuramu, the Manager of Whispers Children’s Hospital advised males and females to do pretests of Sickle cell before getting married such that they decrease the number of children born with Sickle cell. 

Winners of the 5km run, who included Ken Mutai in the men’s category, and Nakato Shiham Shamsha in the women’s category, and all students from Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) were given smartphones as prizes. Sponsors of the run were given certificates of appreciation.