Mukono Sickle Cell Clinic Receives Boost of Ugx 28M Drugs

The Sarafinah Sickle Cell Society (SASCELLS) has donated medicine worth 28.8 million Shillings to the Sickle Cell Clinic at Mukono General Hospital.

The non-governmental organisation, based in Mukono Municipality, with support from Sickle Forward and My Three Sicklers (MTS), both based in the United States, donated 15 boxes containing 900 doses of Hydroxyurea.

The medication supports sicklers by increasing fetal haemoglobin production, which reduces the frequency and severity of pain crises and other complications associated with the condition.

The Head of Mukono General Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic, Dr. Wyclif Kisinga, said the donation came at a critical time when the facility had been out of stock of hydroxyurea for three months.  The clinic, which started six years ago with less than 100 clients, now has 800 patients, with 293 using hydroxyurea.

Dr. Kisinga noted that hydroxyurea has proven effective in reducing hospitalisations, blood transfusions, and episodes of acute chest syndrome in clients with sickle cell disease.

He added that shortages of hydroxyurea have caused strokes among their clients and that the facility lacks wheelchairs and clutches to support their movement.

Isaac Kabunga, an Advocate and IT Administrator at SASCELLS, said the society is committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disease.

“The donated medicine will help alleviate the suffering of sickle cell warriors by reducing the frequency and severity of pain crises,” he said.

Caregivers and clients at the clinic expressed gratitude to the CEO of SASCELLS, Sarafinah Bukirwa, and her team for their support. 

Jane Namusobya, a single mother with a seven-year-old with sickle cell disease, expressed relief at the donation, highlighting the financial burden of accessing the medication. 

Amidst stockouts, caregivers buy a dose of hydroxyurea at Shillings 800 from private clinics. 

SASCELLS also facilitated a camp for free sickle cell screening and blood donation at Mukono General Hospital. 96 people were screened, 47 tested negative, and 49 tested positive for the sickle cell trait. Also, 64 units of blood were collected.