Sickle Cell disease in Uganda: the Ministry of Health launched a campaign for awareness and healthcare improvement
The Ministry of Health of Uganda launched the new sickle cell awareness fundraising campaign in order to raise awareness and improve healthcare to any patient affected by this terrible disease.
With an official tweet, the Ministry of Health of Uganda reported: “We are glad to partner and improve healthcare access and affordability for sickle cell patients in Uganda.”
Sickle cell disease in Uganda: the committee of cooperation
The Permanent Secretary, Diana Atwine launched this campaign is intended to intensify awareness about sickle cell disease and provide free screening in partnership with CTI Africa, a social enterprise which provides rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa solutions to their economic and social challenges, the Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation and Doctalk Show, cooperation of doctors giving practical solutions to today’s health concerns.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disease have atypical hemoglobin molecules which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood and they can include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications.
The Ministry of Health of Uganda is extremely proud of this goal, and it is another important step to increase the healthcare quality throughout this poor country.