The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) is calling for policies that will make sickle cell treatment more affordable and accessible to people living with the disease across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the PSU Sickle Cell Run 2026 at the association’s offices in Kyambogo, PSU Vice President Dr Nuru Mugide said improving access to treatment is a critical step towards reducing the burden of sickle cell disease and ultimately eliminating it in Uganda.
This year’s run, scheduled for September 20, will be held under the theme “Run for Life” and will flag off from Pharmacy House in Kyambogo.
According to available data, Uganda has one of the highest sickle cell disease burdens in Africa. An estimated 20,000 babies are born with the disease every year, while about 14 percent of the population carries the sickle cell trait.
Between 6,000 and 9,000 children born with sickle cell disease die annually in Uganda, making it one of the leading causes of childhood illness, hospital admissions, and mortality.
Dr Mugide noted that across Africa, between 50 and 80 percent of children born with sickle cell disease die before the age of five if they do not receive proper care and treatment.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda is also urging the government to increase investment in screening, treatment, and research to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease and improve outcomes for those affected.
By Charles Katabalwa
7th Aug 2026
END