The Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation in Uganda has asked the government to encourage the production of hydroxyurea, a drug used in the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Daniel Roy Odur, the Executive Director of the Foundation, says pharmaceutical firms should be encouraged to produce medications used in the treatment of sickle cell illnesses locally instead of importing them.
Odur made the appeal during the 6th Sickle Cell Counting Medical Conference held in Lira District on Friday, May 15, 2023.
He asked the government to implement a policy that will require mandatory screening for sickle cell disease before marriage.
“Before you get married, you need to get screened for sickle cell. We do believe that if you are screened and you know your genotype and your sickle cell status, you will be in a position to make an informed decision,” said Odur.
Lira District is among the most affected districts in Lango, with a high sickle cell prevalence.
According to a Ministry of Health report, Northern Uganda has the highest prevalence of sickle cell trait in the country, standing at 18.6%.
