The Ministry of Health together with the Sickle Cell Foundation and other partners has today September 25 launched a fundraising campaign intended to provide adequate support required in testing, treating and research about the sickle cells disease.
The campaign is also geared towards intensifying awareness about Sickle Cell and providing free screening to the public.
The launch was presided over by Dr Diana Atwine, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary.
“The funds from the fundraising will be used to create a registry for all sickle cell warriors. This will help give specialized health care, promote awareness and testing, and provide telemedicine services using Life Health CTC by availing 10,000 smart phones,” the Ministry disclosed.
Dr Atwine noted that the disease is a chronic illness that affects people from childhood and many of these have to give up almost every other activity and dedicate their energy to fighting for their health.
As studies have shown that sickle cell prevalence is 13.3%, she recommended pre-marital screening and new borne screening for the disease.