KAMPALA – The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine launched the Sickle Cell awareness fundraising campaign.
This campaign is intended to intensify awareness about Sickle Cell Disease and provide free screening services.
The funds from this campaign will be used to create a registry for all sickle cell warriors. This will help give specialised health care, promote awareness and testing, and provide telemedicine services using LifeHealth CTC by availing 10,000 smart phones to the warriors.
“Studies showed the prevalence of sickle cell trait at 13.3%.This is very high. This calls for pre marital screening for sickle cell and newborn screening,” Dr Atwine said.
Dr Atwine lauded the partnership from the various players to ensure that the sickle cell warriors have access to services as and when required.
“There are so many people upcountry that have not sought care. Sickle cell is a chronic illness that affects people from childhood and they give up many activities for the sake of being alive. They require to be supported, cared for and understood,” she added.
Dr Atwine further emphasized that every coin raised from this campaign will help every child affected by sickle cell.
The Head of Public Relations and Partnerships, CTI Africa, Mihigo Davidson expressed commitment to support Ministry of Health in improving access to health care in the country.
“We are glad to partner and improve healthcare access and affordability for sickle cell patients in Uganda. LifeHealth CTC reduces the financial burdens associated with disease management for patients,” he said.
The Director General Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa pledged the commitment of Ministry of Health to strengthen partnership in this innovation in ensuring that every sickle cell child is able to live a quality life.
The Sickle Cell Fundraising Campaign was launched in partnership with CTI Africa Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation and The Doc Talk Show.
