Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 475
The government of Uganda, in partnership with the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) and other health stakeholders, has launched the Imara Sickle Cell Framework, a major initiative aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of people living with sickle cell disease.
The framework was launched during the commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day in Jinja City, amid growing concern over the high burden of the disease in Uganda.
Health officials estimate that more than 20,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda every year, with many dying before the age of five due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to consistent care.
The Ministry of Health says the situation highlights the urgent need for coordinated interventions to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life of people affected by the disease.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the sickle cell burden through improved access to screening, treatment, and care services.
“This initiative supports our commitment to improving survival and quality of life for children living with sickle cell disease and strengthening access to care across the country,” Kyabayinze said.
He emphasized the need to prevent new cases through premarital screening and testing, noting that identifying genetic risks before marriage can help reduce the number of children born with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is the world’s most common inherited blood disorder, affecting the shape and function of red blood cells and causing complications such as anemia, infections, stroke, and organ damage. Africa carries the largest share of the global disease burden.
Health experts believe that improved screening, early diagnosis, and coordinated care systems such as the Imara Framework could significantly reduce deaths and improve the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease in Uganda.
Nilepost
The framework was launched during the commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day in Jinja City, amid growing concern over the high burden of the disease in Uganda.
Health officials estimate that more than 20,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda every year, with many dying before the age of five due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to consistent care.
The Ministry of Health says the situation highlights the urgent need for coordinated interventions to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life of people affected by the disease.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the sickle cell burden through improved access to screening, treatment, and care services.
“This initiative supports our commitment to improving survival and quality of life for children living with sickle cell disease and strengthening access to care across the country,” Kyabayinze said.
He emphasized the need to prevent new cases through premarital screening and testing, noting that identifying genetic risks before marriage can help reduce the number of children born with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is the world’s most common inherited blood disorder, affecting the shape and function of red blood cells and causing complications such as anemia, infections, stroke, and organ damage. Africa carries the largest share of the global disease burden.
Health experts believe that improved screening, early diagnosis, and coordinated care systems such as the Imara Framework could significantly reduce deaths and improve the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease in Uganda.
Nilepost
