Sickle Cell Cases Consume 13.5% of Blood Supply in Nebbi as Health Officials Sound Alarm

What the report says

Nile Post reports that health officials in Nebbi District have raised concern over pressure on blood stocks after sickle cell disease became the district’s second-biggest reason for transfusions, behind acute malaria. District data for the 12 months ending June 2026 shows sickle cell patients used 490 of 3,626 blood units collected, or 13.5%, while acute malaria accounted for 814 units, or 22.4%. Surgical procedures used 473 units, with the rest going to other emergencies and conditions.

The report says the demand is affecting facilities including Angal Hospital, Goli Health Centre IV and Nebbi General Hospital. Officials warned that shortages can delay care for patients with severe malaria, cancer, injuries, surgical needs and postpartum haemorrhage. They are calling for a dedicated sickle cell clinic, wider community screening and stronger blood donation campaigns, including among families affected by the disease.

Acting District Health Officer Dr Justine Okwairwoth told Nile Post that improved screening at chronic disease clinics may be increasing recorded numbers, while also helping reduce deaths. District records cited in the report show more than 500 suspected and confirmed sickle cell cases had been recorded cumulatively by June 2026, compared with an estimated 924 people expected to have the condition in a population of 308,081.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause chronic anaemia, pain, infections and organ damage. Nile Post cites Uganda’s Ministry of Health as saying about 13 in every 100 Ugandans carry the sickle cell gene, underscoring why local officials are promoting earlier screening before marriage and childbearing, alongside expanded treatment capacity and blood donation.