Sickle cell a hereditary condition affects the red blood cells making them sickle shaped hence hindering the smooth blood flow making the body unable to carry oxygen to all its organs. Signs and symptoms of sickle cells include yellow eyes, stroke, chronic pain, anemia, acute chest syndrome among others.
Doctor Komugisha a pediatrician at Fort Portal Referral Hospital said the study conducted between May and June found the high disease burden in the area. “For the past two months, that was May and June; we tested 53 patients and among the 53, 13 had sickle cell trait and 6 were sicklers and we had variants that were two. So among the tested patients, we only tested those who were suspected.” Said, Dr. Beatrice Komugisha – Pediatrician, Fort Portal Hospital.
According to Dr. David Mporampora, a Health Officer at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, deaths of sickle cell was soon taking over HIV AIDS due to the less emphasis attached to the disease. Dr. Mpora Mpora said sickle cell in Rwenzori remained a burden due to lack of mentorship and in-house training of health workers and sensitization of victims and stakeholders about the disease. “There has been no mentorships, no in-house training for even the health workers available to orient them on the sickle cell disease. Even to sensitize the community about sickle cell disease because most often children come with so many complications and by the time sickle cell is easily diagnosed; these children and their parents have hoped from one health facility to another.” Said, Dr. David Mpora Mpora – Health Officer, Fort Portal Hospital.
The Ministry of Health started a campaign aimed at sensitizing and engaging health workers and stakeholders at all levels to create awareness. Lillian Mwesigwa, a sickle cell focal person from the Ministry of Health told NBS that the campaign was also aimed at communicating to stakeholders, encouraging couples to test before marriage to break the cycle. The government also fronted the program of testing sickle cell in children at birth to minimize the disease burden. “Districts to make this dialogue with the religious leaders and area leaders. What we want is to communicate to these stakeholders so that they can be able to disseminate this information back to their audiences.” Said, Lillian Mwesigwa – Ministry of Health. Sickle victims who spoke to NBS called upon the government to support the fight against the disease through the provision of cheaper drugs. At least one out of every four people in Uganda carries the sickle cell gene.
