Uganda launches Innovative program to combat sickle cell disease

UGANDA— The Ministry of Health, collaborating with several key partners, has launched an innovative program to combat sickle cell disease (SCD) in children across Uganda.

Named the “Integrating and Scaling up Sickle Cell Disease Care in Primary Health Services” program, this initiative aims to strengthen early diagnosis and enhance care for children with SCD by incorporating services within Uganda’s primary healthcare system.

Initially, the program will be piloted in Kayunga District and later expanded to reach multiple communities nationwide.

According to Nile Post, the program emphasizes the integration of sickle cell screening, preventive vaccinations, and essential medications into Uganda’s existing primary health structure.

This strategy aims to provide vital SCD care to children who have long lacked access, particularly in remote and non-urban areas.

Key components of the program include mandatory newborn screening to identify SCD cases early on and providing life-saving treatments for affected children, such as penicillin to prevent infections and hydroxyurea, a medication proven to decrease the severity of SCD symptoms.

Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, leads to severe anemia, painful crises, and an elevated risk of childhood mortality.

In Uganda alone, approximately 20,000 children are born with SCD each year, contributing significantly to child mortality rates and hospital admissions.

Despite medical advancements globally, where about 90% of children with SCD survive into adulthood, nearly half of Ugandan children with SCD do not live past age five.

Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Uganda’s Director of Health Services, emphasized the program’s objective to maximize existing child health systems in delivering SCD care directly within communities.

He stressed the urgent need for a robust public health response to the extensive burden of sickle cell disease in Uganda and across Africa, emphasizing that this program’s integration into primary health systems will make it sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective.

The initiative’s design draws from Uganda’s experience with successful HIV programs, creating a care model that reaches vulnerable populations and reinforces Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, described the program as transformative for child health in Uganda.

 “Our shared vision is to end the unconscionable suffering and childhood deaths from sickle cell disease. Uganda is proud to be ground zero for a new day for these children and for the future of Africa,” she noted.

Implementation of the program will rely on a coalition of national and international health organizations, including Texas Children’s Global HOPE Program, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Uganda, Makerere University, and the Uganda Pediatric Association.

Dr. Joseph Lubega, Director of the Texas Children’s Global HOPE Program, expressed his confidence in the initiative, calling it the beginning of a larger mission to reduce the suffering caused by SCD across Africa.

“These children and families cannot wait any longer,” he added, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving long-term success.

Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation, highlighted the critical need to address healthcare disparities in rural Uganda.

“For Ugandans living outside of major urban centers, finding care is a significant challenge and sometimes not even possible.” she stated.

“Our new initiative, in partnership with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, will integrate lifesaving early-stage interventions into primary care facilities in non-urban areas.”

This initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader strategic health goals to reduce the prevalence of SCD.

It presents a sustainable care model that promises hope for affected children and families across the country.

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