The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) and Pearl Bank have launched a regional fundraising drive in eastern Uganda aimed at raising USD 4 million to support the establishment of Uganda's first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre, a critical step in the fight against sickle cell disease and other blood disorders.
The initiative was unveiled on Friday during celebrations to mark World Sickle Cell Day in Jinja City, bringing together health officials, researchers, development partners, patients and advocates.
Observed annually on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day seeks to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and promote better care and support for people living with the condition. This year's commemoration was held under the theme, "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease."
According to health experts, Uganda continues to carry a significant burden of sickle cell disease, with between 20,000 and 25,000 children born with the condition each year. Without proper care, an estimated 70 to 80 percent die before reaching the age of five.
The Busoga sub-region, where the event was held, has one of the highest sickle cell trait prevalence rates in the country at 16.7 percent.
Speaking on behalf of Pearl Bank's Head of Marketing and Communications, Priscilla Akora, Jane Atuhairwe, the bank's Branch Business Manager, said supporting the initiative aligns with the bank's commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Ugandans.
"We believe that a healthy population is fundamental to national development. Through our Corporate Social Investment pillar on health, we are proud to support efforts aimed at demystifying sickle cell disease, promoting early diagnosis, reducing stigma and strengthening support systems for affected families," Atuhairwe said.
Pearl Bank has committed shs200 million towards the national fundraising campaign to establish the specialized Bone Marrow Transplant Centre.
Akora noted that the World Sickle Cell Day commemoration provides an important platform to amplify awareness about the disease while mobilizing resources for life-saving treatment options.
"Participation in the World Sickle Cell Day commemoration provides a strategic platform to drive public awareness and mobilize support towards expanding access to life-saving treatment for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions," she said.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health, reaffirmed government's commitment to strengthening sickle cell prevention, diagnosis and treatment services across the country.
He said the ministry would continue supporting research, awareness campaigns, newborn screening programs and linkage to care initiatives to ensure improved outcomes for patients.
"The Ministry of Health remains committed to supporting efforts that improve health services and the livelihoods of Ugandans. We shall continue working with partners to raise awareness and strengthen interventions against sickle cell disease," Kyabayinze said.
JCRC Executive Director Dr. Cissy Kityo said the institution is already undertaking several initiatives to improve care for sickle cell patients, including operating a Red Blood Cell Exchange unit that supports children and adults suffering severe complications.
She revealed that construction plans for the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at JCRC's Lubowa campus are already underway.
"JCRC is in the initial stages of establishing Uganda's first Bone Marrow Transplant Centre. Once operational, it will cater for conditions requiring bone marrow transplantation, including blood cancers and sickle cell disease," Dr. Kityo said.
She added that current efforts are focused on capacity building, infrastructure development and research necessary to support the facility's successful operation.
Stakeholders say the proposed centre will significantly reduce the need for Ugandans to seek costly treatment abroad while improving access to specialized care for patients suffering from life-threatening blood disorders.
Members of the public and corporate entities have been encouraged to support the fundraising campaign through contributions made via the JCRC website, Pearl Bank accounts and other designated channels.
The initiative is expected to play a vital role in transforming treatment options for thousands of Ugandans living with sickle cell disease and related conditions.