QCIL launches first local hydroxyurea production in Uganda

UGANDA—Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) has officially launched locally manufactured Hydroxyurea, Sikurea Hydroxyurea 500 mg capsules, a new drug expected to strengthen the fight against sickle cell disease.

The marks a significant advancement in Uganda’s efforts to improve access to essential treatments and strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production.

The launch took place at the company’s manufacturing facility in Luzira, Kampala, on May 20 and brought together senior government officials from the Ministry of Health alongside company executives led by Executive Chairman Emmanuel Katongole.

During the event, stakeholders highlighted that local production of the drug is expected to reduce dependency on imports, improve affordability, and stabilize supply chains that have historically limited patient access.

Heavy sickle cell disease burden in Uganda

Uganda continues to carry a high burden of sickle cell disease, which remains one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the country.

Health authorities estimate that approximately 20,000 babies are born with the condition each year, while nearly 30 percent of the population carries the sickle cell trait.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 children globally are born with sickle cell disease annually, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the majority of cases.

In Uganda, the disease contributes significantly to childhood illness and mortality, particularly through recurrent pain crises, severe anaemia, frequent hospital admissions, and long-term organ complications.

Health experts report that the burden is especially pronounced in northern, eastern, and parts of central Uganda, where access to specialized care and consistent treatment has historically remained limited.

Hydroxyurea’s role in sickle cell management

Hydroxyurea is widely recognized in clinical practice as one of the most effective therapies for reducing complications associated with sickle cell disease.

While it does not cure the condition, it significantly improves patient outcomes by reducing painful crises, lowering hospital admissions, decreasing the need for blood transfusions, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Until now, Uganda has relied heavily on imported supplies of the drug, a situation that has contributed to inconsistent availability and elevated treatment costs for many patients.

The introduction of local manufacturing is therefore expected to strengthen continuity of care and improve affordability across the health system.

Government commitment to expanded access and care

Speaking at the launch, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine described the development as a major milestone in Uganda’s healthcare transformation.

She noted that Hydroxyurea will now be included on the national essential medicines list, enabling improved procurement and distribution within public health facilities.

She emphasized that the government is working to enhance supply chains and ensure that the medicine reaches patients efficiently across all regions.

Additionally, she confirmed plans to decentralize sickle cell care by expanding services to Health Centre III facilities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.

Health officials further highlighted ongoing efforts to expand newborn screening programs and improve early diagnosis, noting that delayed detection remains a major contributor to complications and early mortality.

Strengthening local manufacturing and health systems

QCIL Chief Executive Officer Ajay Kumar described the launch as part of a broader movement toward African-led healthcare solutions and increased health sovereignty.

He noted that investing in local manufacturing capacity is essential for building resilient health systems capable of responding to both infectious and non-communicable diseases.

The company emphasized that producing Hydroxyurea locally aligns with its long-term strategy of expanding beyond HIV and malaria medicines into treatments for chronic and inherited conditions.

Clinical and public health perspectives

Medical experts reiterated that sickle cell disease remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, with some regions reporting prevalence rates between 13 and 15 percent.

At Mulago National Referral Hospital, clinicians report diagnosing dozens of new patients weekly, reflecting both the scale of the disease and gaps in nationwide screening coverage.

Health authorities also continue to promote premarital screening, genetic counselling, and community awareness campaigns aimed at reducing new cases and improving disease management outcomes.

Ongoing Health System Reforms

Government officials further indicated that Uganda is integrating sickle cell care into primary healthcare services, supported by expanded staffing at lower-level health facilities.

This approach is intended to bring specialized services closer to communities while improving continuity of care for affected families.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health has introduced locally produced diagnostic tests to support early detection, complementing efforts to reduce reliance on imported medical products and strengthen national health security.