The Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, has pledged increased access to sickle cell treatment and stronger prevention measures as African health leaders launched the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Continental Plan for Sickle Cell Disease and other inherited blood disorders in Kampala.
The event brought together delegates from more than 44 countries to validate and launch the continental strategy aimed at improving coordination on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research into sickle cell disease across Africa.
Speaking during the launch, Atwine said sickle cell disease had for years received limited international attention despite its devastating impact on African families.
“It is time sickle cell disease receives the attention it deserves,” Atwine said.