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Lira hospital director urges cultural leaders to join fight against sickle cell

4 October 2025, 2:48 pm

Participants at the former Akii-Bua Stadium, Lira City.

By Baker Okello

The Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Andrew Odur, has urged cultural leaders in the Lango sub-region to take an active role in combating sickle cell disease by sensitising their clan members about pre-marital testing and genetic counselling.

Dr Odur made the appeal during a press briefing at the former Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City, following the conclusion of the Uhuru Sickle Cell Run 2025, held under the theme “Running for Awareness, Together Against Sickle Cell.”

He noted that the high prevalence of sickle cell disease in the region is partly attributed to marriages within the same clans and among individuals who unknowingly carry the sickle cell gene and share similar blood groups.

He revealed that the Lango sub-region continues to bear a heavy burden, with a sickle cell prevalence rate of 21 per cent and approximately 1,400 patients seeking routine treatment at the facility each week.

Dr Odur noted that since the most affected group comprises young people under the age of 20, early detection, testing, and counselling are crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Roy Odur, Executive Director of the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative, revealed that Adwir Village in Adwir Sub-county, Alebtong District, has the highest sickle cell prevalence in Uganda at 23.8 per cent—well above the national average of 17 per cent.

He explained that this year’s Uhuru Sickle Cell Run aimed to raise funds to purchase an HB Electrophoresis machine for Amolatar Health Centre IV and Apac General Hospital to support the screening and early detection of sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects red blood cells, causing painful episodes, infections, and other serious complications. Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of genetic testing, early diagnosis, and public education as key measures to reduce its prevalence in Uganda.