The Pain Behind the Smiles of Sickle Cell Warriors: The Silent Tears no One Sees

What the report says

Stakeholders in Uganda’s Lango sub-region have renewed calls for stronger coordination, wider testing and better access to treatment to confront the burden of sickle cell disease. The appeal came at the Lango Regional Sickle Cell Stakeholders Summit 2026, held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Margaritah Palace Hotel in Lira City and organised by the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative (CAPSCI).

According to the report from Dokolo Post, speakers said many people living with sickle cell disease face severe pain, repeated hospital visits, missed school time, stigma and rejection while trying to maintain normal lives. Ministry of Health official Dr. Miriam Ajambo said Uganda continues to register a large number of children born with the condition each year and highlighted Alebtong District as having a notably high reported prevalence. She said the government is expanding newborn screening, early diagnosis and treatment, and is working to improve supplies of test kits and hydroxyurea.

Other speakers urged services to be brought closer to communities through lower-level health facilities, stronger referral systems and better-trained health workers. Dr. Andrew Odur of Lira Regional Referral Hospital said cases in Lango have risen, with more than 1,500 patients enrolled there. CAPSCI leaders said the organisation has tested about 11,600 people in the sub-region, identifying around 200 patients and nearly 5,000 carriers.

The summit also emphasized cultural and community involvement, with leaders calling for awareness campaigns in schools and villages, counselling, and testing before marriage. The broader message was that reducing sickle cell’s impact in Lango will require sustained public education, early detection and cooperation among government, health providers, cultural institutions and local communities.