Uganda: Quality Chemicals Calls for Greater Awareness, Access to Sickle Cell Diagnosis and Treatment
[Nile Post] Officials at Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) have called for increased public awareness, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment as Uganda steps up efforts to address the burden of sickle cell disease.
Uganda's Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) has urged greater public awareness, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment for sickle cell disease as the nation intensifies its efforts to combat the condition. This call came during the 2026 Annual Sickle Cell Run, a gathering organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) that brought together patients, families, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, development partners, and members of the public.
The event aimed to shed light on sickle cell disease and mobilize resources to aid communities affected by the condition.
QCIL's Chief Executive Officer, Ajay Kumar, explained that the company's involvement highlighted the private sector's growing role in supporting public health initiatives, particularly those centered on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and access to vital medicines. Kumar emphasized that locally produced Hydroxyurea, used in managing sickle cell disease, would not only enhance treatment access and reduce costs but also bolster Uganda's pharmaceutical independence.
He noted that local Hydroxyurea production signifies a significant pharmaceutical milestone and a broader effort to fortify Uganda's capacity to tackle long-term public health challenges.
The Sickle Cell Run serves as a crucial platform for educating the public about the inherited condition, which impacts the production and function of haemoglobin in red blood cells. QCIL's participation aligns with other stakeholders in encouraging communities to undergo early testing and seek appropriate medical care while challenging misconceptions and stigma connected with sickle cell disease.
Kumar underlined that pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are responsible for more than just supplying medicines; they must also promote public education campaigns and initiatives that enhance access to essential healthcare services.
Dr Nuru Mugide, PSU Vice President, stressed that sickle cell disease continues to cause lives lost, emotional, social, and financial burdens for families, and adds pressure to Uganda's healthcare system. The primary goal of the run was to raise awareness about the disease while promoting efforts to improve treatment access. She reiterated that prevention is better than cure and expressed support for government initiatives to increase access to Hydroxyurea.
The Ministry of Health estimates that around 20,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda annually, with approximately 30 percent of the population carrying the sickle cell gene. Funds raised during the run will be used to purchase Hydroxyurea, which will later be donated to individuals in Busoga Kingdom. Globally, the World Health Organization reports that over 300,000 children are born with sickle cell disease each year, with the majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
Organizers and stakeholders emphasized that ongoing public education, early testing, and access to suitable treatment remain vital components of strategies to lessen the impact of sickle cell disease on individuals, families, and the wider health system.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
