Ministry of health launches sickle cell testing campaign at Makerere university

The Ministry of Health has launched the sickle cell campaign aimed at curbing the high prevalence rates in the country.

Dubbed ‘Break the silence’,  the campaign is meant to create awareness about the threat in the country.

The Minister of state for primary health care Hon Sarah Opendi during the launch at Makerere University highlighted of how the Ministry has partnered with Cincinnati Hospital (USA) to curb the high prevalence
rates in the country.

In a study conducted by the Ministry,  it’s reported that sickle cell threat stands at 13.1% while the number of the sick is at 0.1%. Over3.6million people die a year nationwide.

All the districts sampled in the country were affected by the disease.  However Kampala, Bundibugyo, Jinja,  Gulu, Lira, Tororo, and Luweero had the highest prevalence rate. Most of those affected where children according to the report.

“We are to engage different stakeholders in the country in order to achieve our goal, ” said the Minister.

Professor Ware Russell from Cincinnati Hospital highlighted that the purpose of the campaign is to increase awareness.

Hundreds of university students turned up for the launch plus those from the different schools around Makerere University.