Amolatar | On February 4, 2026, the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Initiative donated the third HB electrophoresis machine to Amolatar, following similar donations to Apac and Lira.
The District Health Officer Dr Jimmy Odongo praised the Initiative for its support in the Lango sub-region, mentioning Alebtong, Apac, Lira, and Amolatar as other districts supported
Dr Odongo encouraged the community to utilise the testing machine effectively to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease in Amolatar and the broader Lango area.
He urged couples planning to marry to prioritize testing.
Dr Odongo noted that the new machine will facilitate their work, as it provides results in just ten minutes, unlike the previous method that required sending samples to Entebbe or Kampala, which took two weeks or more to receive results.
The Chief Administration Officer of Amolatar stated that the machine will significantly aid in prevention, as management often faces challenges compounded by various myths and misconceptions.
The CAO, represented by Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Susan Acio, also emphasized the importance of prioritising the maintenance of the machine.
Daniel Roy Odur, team leader of the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Initiative, advised against the use of herbal remedies for sickle cell disease.
Odur pointed out that many individuals still associate the disease with witchcraft, leading them to seek local concoctions that lack efficacy.
He explained that the electrophoresis machine can detect sickle cell traits in individuals and can operate for eight hours on a single charge, making it convenient for field use.
However, Odur cautioned laboratory technicians to use the machine judiciously, applying it only to clients who have first undergone RTD/solubility tests, rather than on all patients.
Sister Atim Victoria Sharon, the Assistant District Health Officer responsible for maternal and child health, commended Catherine Phil’s Sickle Cell Initiative for selecting Amolatar HCVI from the 154 health centers across the nation.
According to Sr. Atim, Amolatar HCVI is currently managing six hundred and six (606) cases of sickle cell disease.
Sr. Atim further noted that the district continues to encounter challenges in the management of sickle cell disease, such as drug shortages.
The introduction of the new machine will allow them to enhance their prescriptions, she said.
Amolatar HCIV is currently managing 659 sickle cell cases while Lango tops in sickle cell with Alebtong at 23.8% followed by Amolatar, according to DHO Dr Jimmy Odongo.
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