Uganda: Lango Steps Up Sickle Cell Response

What the report says

Health stakeholders in Uganda’s Lango Sub-Region are pushing for a stronger regional response to sickle cell disease, calling for more public awareness, better leadership and improved access to treatment. The appeal was made at the Lango Regional Sickle Cell Stakeholders Summit 2026 in Lira, according to a report by The Independent (Kampala) distributed by AllAfrica. The two-day meeting brought together Ministry of Health officials, clinicians, implementing partners, cultural and religious leaders and other community representatives.

The summit focused on prevention, early testing, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for people living with the inherited blood disorder. Participants emphasized that late diagnosis and misconceptions remain a challenge, especially in communities with limited knowledge of the condition. Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) said it was supporting awareness efforts and encouraging earlier testing and care-seeking.

The report also highlighted Uganda’s efforts to widen access to hydroxyurea, a medicine used to help manage sickle cell disease and reduce complications. Qcil said it has launched locally manufactured hydroxyurea, which it says could improve availability and affordability and reduce dependence on imports. The Ministry of Health is also planning to extend access to lower-level facilities, which could bring care closer to rural patients. Lira Regional Referral Hospital currently provides chronic care for more than 1,780 registered patients, though officials believe the true number may be higher because some cases remain undiagnosed.