As Uganda prepares to mark World Sickle Cell Day on Friday, June 19, in Jinja City, the Ministry of Health has issued an urgent call for strengthened national action against sickle cell disease, one of the country’s most prevalent inherited health conditions.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Director General of Health Services Charles Olaro said Uganda registers between 20,000 and 25,000 babies born with sickle cell disease each year.
He further noted that an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 children die before the age of five due to complications related to the condition.
Olaro emphasized that although sickle cell disease significantly contributes to under-five mortality, it is both preventable and manageable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sarah Kiguli said Uganda ranks fifth globally and fourth in Africa in terms of sickle cell disease burden.
She called for expanded newborn screening, premarital testing, and wider access to genetic counselling and treatment options such as hydroxyurea, noting that these interventions are critical to improving survival rates and reducing new cases nationwide.
By Our Reporter
18th June 2026
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