Ugandans have been urged to know their sickle cell status and embrace early screening as the country strengthens efforts to combat sickle cell disease, one of the most common inherited blood disorders in Uganda.
The call was made during National Sickle Cell Awareness Day celebrations at Busoga Square in Jinja City, organised by the Ministry of Health together with its partners, including the Joint Clinical Research Centre, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and other organisations supporting sickle cell care and advocacy in Uganda.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Public Health, Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, who represented the Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, said early diagnosis remains key to preventing many of the deaths associated with the disease.
He encouraged parents to utilise newborn screening services and urged young people to know their genotype before starting families.