Doctors call for testing as dfcu supports Mulago sickle cell unit amid surge
Congestion at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s sickle cell unit has raised concern among health experts, highlighting the growing burden of the disease in Uganda. Uganda has one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa. With approximately 13.3% to 20% of the population carrying the sickle cell trait, around 20,000 babies are […] The post Doctors call for testing as dfcu supports Mulago sickle cell unit amid surge appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
Congestion at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s sickle cell unit has raised concern among health experts, highlighting the growing burden of the disease in Uganda.
Uganda has one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa. With approximately 13.3% to 20% of the population carrying the sickle cell trait, around 20,000 babies are born with the disease annually. Without early diagnosis and intervention, 70% to 80% of affected children die before reaching the age of five.
The increasing number of patients seeking care reflects a wider crisis in communities, with many people unaware of their sickle cell status.
Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital’s executive director, said the facility is struggling with high patient numbers, prompting a shift toward outpatient care to ease pressure on wards.
“For patients with chronic illnesses, it is better to manage them as outpatients to keep them stable and avoid unnecessary hospitalisation,” she said.
Despite these measures, the rising population and increasing cases continue to strain available space and resources at the country’s main referral facility.
Dr Philip Kasirye, a consultant paediatrician and haematologist described that the situation as a major public health challenge, noting that Mulago runs the largest and oldest specialised sickle cell care centre in Uganda.
“The big numbers you see here show that the problem is even bigger in the community. Many Ugandans carry the sickle cell gene without knowing,” he said.
He said the the growing patient load has stretched resources, including drugs, laboratory services and space, calling for joint efforts from both government and the private sector.
The concerns come as dfcu Bank stepped in to support the hospital through renovation of key patient facilities, including restrooms and waiting areas, to improve patient comfort.
dfcu Bank Managing Director Charles Mudiwa said the institution is committed to supporting health initiatives, noting that a healthy population is essential for economic growth.
Speaking during a visit to Mulago National Referral Hospital to mark International Sickle Cell Day, Mudiwa said the bank is committed to investing in community health as part of its broader responsibility.
“You cannot run a successful business in an unhealthy nation. Supporting healthcare is part of our responsibility.The partnership with Mulago is just the beginning, with plans for continued support in future,” Mudiwa said.
“You cannot build a successful bank in an unhealthy nation. For us to thrive, the communities around us must also be healthy,” he noted.
Mudiwa said dfcu’s involvement in supporting sickle cell initiatives started as a small idea that has since grown into a meaningful partnership, driven by the realization that many individuals and families are directly affected by the disease.
“We discovered that many people within our own circles are either living with the condition, are carriers, or are caregivers. This underscores the importance of awareness and taking action,” he added.
Kasirye said that sickle cell is a genetic condition passed from parents to children, and can only be prevented through testing and informed decisions.
“A child gets sickle cell disease when they inherit the gene from both parents. That is why testing and counselling are very important.Couples and young people planning families to know their sickle cell status early,” he said.
“We need people to test before marriage and make informed decisions. This is the only way we can reduce the number of children born with the disease,” he added.
He warned against stigma, noting that people living with sickle cell disease can lead productive lives with proper care.
They called for collective action from individuals, communities, and organisations to address the growing burden and improve outcomes for patients across the country.
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