Uhuru Sickle Cell Run targets procuring two HB electrophoresis machines

Lira |Hundreds of people across the country are expected to take part in the first run, which aims to improve the lives of sickle cell patients in Lango and beyond.

The Uhuru Sickle Cell Run is expected to be attended by lead runners Moses Kipsiro and Otuke East County MP Julius Acon Bua.

Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative organised the run in collaboration with commercial banks in the sub-region, the Ministry of Health, and other partners.

The primary goal is to raise awareness and sensitization among the Lango community, as the sub-region’s prevalence rate is 23.3%, which is higher than the national rate of 17%.

Lira Regional Referral Hospital is the hub for treating this disease in Lango, with ten facilities in other districts where Sickle Cell patients receive routine care.

The Regional Hospital currently serves 1,200 people who come in on a monthly basis for drug refills and check-ups. Since 2023, 9,473 newborn babies have been screened for Sickle Cell, with 1.2% testing positive.

Sickle Cell disease affects six out of every hundred people.

Daniel Roy Odur, Executive Director of the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative, told the media on Wednesday that the disease’s burden in Uganda is concentrated in Lango.

Odur cited a lack of community awareness and sensitization as major contributing factors to the sub-region’s high case count.

However, he thanked the Ministry of Health for introducing early screening for newborn children, despite the fact that the disease is chronic.

Odur emphasized the importance of Sickle Cell testing for those who want to engage sexually or marry as one of the most effective ways to reduce the disease’s spread.

The proceeds from the October 5 Run, he said, will be used to purchase two HB electrophoresis machines.

One will be stationed at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, and another at Alebtong Health Centre IV, to aid in timely confirmatory tests rather than relying on the central laboratory, which takes 3 to 4 weeks to produce results.

Dr. Juliet Ocol, the Lango Sickle Cell focal point person and a paediatrician at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, stated that the Lango sub-region bears the brunt of the disease burden in Uganda.

She thanked the organisers for the upcoming run.

Dr. Ocol stated that with advancements, Sickle Cell Disease has changed its face, as it is no longer associated with death and pain if managed through regular and controlled drug administration.

“Currently, there is a modified drug (hydroxyurea) that has changed the narrative of Sickle Cell patients, though drug stockouts do occur,” she said.

The main challenge is that most parents are hesitant to seek treatment for their newborns who have been diagnosed with this disease for fear of being stigmatized and losing family members, despite the fact that early detection makes it simple to manage, Dr. Ocol said Wednesday.

Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele, the Assistant RCC of Lira City and chairperson of the run’s organizing committee, has called on everyone to join hands.

Alele stated that while much attention has been paid to the fight against HIV/AIDS, Sickle Cell has been quietly killing people for many years.

The ARCC recognized the private sector’s efforts in collaboration with the government to ensure citizens’ well-being.

Get a copy of “Soaring…”