Apac hospital receives sickle cell diagnostic machine

16 February 2026, 2:23 pm

By Daniel Odongo

Apac Hospital has received a new machine to diagnose sickle cell disease, a development expected to significantly improve early detection and management as cases continue to rise across the Lango sub-region.

The machine, known as a Hydroxyurea diagnostic device and valued at over UGX 15 million, was procured by the Catharine PHL Sickle Cell Support Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, with support from several partners. Stanbic Bank is the lead partner in the initiative.

Speaking during the handover, the Executive Director of the Catharine PHL Sickle Cell Support Initiative, Mr Daniel Roy Odur, said research indicates a high prevalence of sickle cell disease in the Lango sub-region, particularly in Apac District.

He explained that the new machine delivers test results within 8 to 15 minutes, eliminating the delays previously experienced when samples had to be transported to Kampala, where results could take weeks.

Mr Roy added that the organisation plans to raise funds through a charity run scheduled for October this year to procure life-saving medication for sickle cell patients, in addition to providing counselling services for affected families.

The Medical Superintendent of Apac Hospital, Dr James Okullu, described the situation as alarming, revealing that hospital records from April last year indicate at least 354 children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

He noted that the number is expected to have increased, although the hospital conducts weekly clinical engagements with sickle cell patients.

Apac Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr Olaboro Emmy Ejuku, welcomed the acquisition, saying the machine will encourage parents of children suspected to have sickle cell disease to seek medical diagnosis.

He noted that timely diagnosis would help reduce misconceptions in the community, including allegations of bewitchment.

Mr Olaboro also urged couples planning to marry to undergo sickle cell screening to prevent future family challenges related to the condition.

He further cautioned health workers against charging patients for sickle cell services, emphasising that diagnosis and treatment are provided free of charge and fully covered by the Government.

Meanwhile, the District Health Officer (DHO) for Apac, Dr James Daniel Odongo, appealed for additional support from development partners, noting that many health facilities in the district still lack adequate services.

He emphasised the need for community outreaches to establish the true burden of sickle cell disease in the district.

Apac Hospital is among the health facilities in Uganda aspiring to attain regional referral hospital status.

In line with this goal, construction of staff accommodation is ongoing under a multi-billion shilling project being implemented by UPDF Engineers.

The Government has so far released UGX 1.7 billion of the total UGX 9.9 billion budget for the project, which is expected to accommodate 160 staff upon completion of all 16 housing units within a 10-month period, according to project designs.

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