Pediatric Sickle Cell Centre in Uganda

Challenge

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a major, often neglected, public health concern in Uganda, with one of the highest birth prevalence rates in the world (approx. 20,000 babies born with SCD annually). Bukedea District, like many in Eastern Uganda, bears a significant burden but suffers from a critical lack of specialized diagnostic, management, and supportive care services. Families must travel long distances to regional hospitals, incurring catastrophic costs and often receiving fragmented care.

Solution

SCOEN establishs and constructs the Pediatric Sickle Cell Care and Wellness Centre as the first of its kind in region. The centre will be a purpose-built, child-friendly facility that addresses these gaps holistically and serve as a referral hub for the region and a centre of excellence for training community health workers. To significantly improve the health outcomes, quality of life, and social integration of children with Sickle Cell Disease in district and neighboring areas.

Long-Term Impact

The project will establish specialized pediatric SCD centre featuring a clinic, day-care management, counseling/parent resource area with a comprehensive SCD service package (diagnosis, prophylactic care, acute pain management, and referral systems). Train 30 Community Health Workers & 65 staff in SCD identification, home-based care, & referral, psychosocial support system; directly reach 300 children with SCD with regular care & screen 2,000 newborns for sickle cell trait through outreaches.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

• https:/​/​scoenug.org
• Protecting the Most Vulnerable Children During COV
• Growing Concerns in Teso on Sickle Cell Disease
• Sickle Cell Disease Due to Lack of Medication
• Sickle Cell Massive Testing Campaign in Teso