Sickle Cell Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant in Uganda

In sub-Saharan Africa, sickle cell disease significantly increases mortality in children under five. For example, it is estimated that 20 000 kids in Uganda are born with sickle cell disease yearly. In addition, a category of genetic hemoglobin abnormalities known as sickle cell disease is characterized by a prevalence of aberrant sickle hemoglobin in erythrocytes. Sickle Cell Disease is a significant public health issue in Uganda, yet the government’s existing initiatives are insufficient to reduce the burden. In this article, you will read about Sickle Cell Disease in Uganda and the treatment of SCD using a Bone Marrow Transplant.

A program is carried out to educate about Sickle cell disease. The mission of the Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation is to educate communities about sickle cell disease and its socioeconomic repercussions. Announcements regarding the event are made to the community before the outreach. Information about sickle cell, including what it is, how it is caused, and ways that attendees can prevent it, is provided as part of the event. Also, sickle cell screening is offered to individuals to learn their genotypes.

Bone Marrow Transplant cost for Sickle Cell Disease in Uganda

Initiatives by Ugandan Government for Sickle Cell Disease

The Ugandan government used recent data on the prevalence of sickle cell disease nationwide.

The government prioritized high-burden areas to allocate scarce resources for primary care interventions and improvements for sickle cell disease.

They propose influencing health policy agendas and raising money for financially possible sickle cell services.

Objectives of the Ugandan Government to treat Sickle Cell Disease

Create a national sickle cell laboratory with the necessary tools and supplies.

To test all DBSs received by the EID program, educate local technicians.

Using the data analysis, make a geographical map of SCT and SCD to show the overall burden to the nation.

Conduct educational training sessions in areas with a high burden.

Educate local healthcare professionals on the advantages of screening at-risk children for SCD and the rationale for it.

To support screening efforts, create public awareness through health fairs and radio announcements.

Sickle Cell Association of Uganda

One of the grassroots organizations now serving as a voice for patients in Uganda is the Sickle Cell Association of Uganda. They work to alter the widespread belief among Ugandans that people with the condition are useless members of society who should be stigmatized and subjected to discrimination. Instead, they work to improve these families’ lives through counseling and instruction. Over 7000 patients are registered with the Sickle Cell Clinic at Mulago, which sees 200 patients on average five days a week. Unfortunately, this is the only sickle cell clinic in the country.

Success Rate of Bone Marrow Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment in Uganda

The success rate for sickle cell disease has increased to as high as 90% thanks to the cutting-edge procedure of bone marrow transplantation. The patients with sickle cell disease and HLA identical sibling bone marrow transplants had a 95% success rate. The Ugandan cure for sickle cell disease will relieve the patient’s agony and even save their lives. Transplanting bone marrow is the tried-and-true method of treating sickle cell disease.