Lango stakeholders convene to tackle rising sickle cell crisis

30 September 2026, 7:42 pm

By Baker Okello

Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), in partnership with the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Initiative, is convening a regional sickle cell stakeholders’ summit aimed at addressing the growing burden of the disease in the Lango sub-region.

The summit is being positioned as a coordinated response to what health professionals describe as an increasingly serious public health challenge in the region.

Speaking to our reporter, LRRH Hospital Director and Senior Executive Consultant, Dr. Andrew Odur, said the symposium will provide a platform for stakeholders to develop coordinated interventions to tackle sickle cell disease.

The symposium, scheduled for October 2 at Magaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City, is expected to bring together local leaders, cultural and religious leaders, politicians, and officials from the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Odur says sickle cell disease has gone beyond being a routine health concern and now requires concerted action from communities, health facilities, government and other stakeholders.

The summit will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the third Uhuru Sickle Cell Run, scheduled for October 3.

Dr. Odur says proceeds from the run will support the procurement of Hb electrophoresis testing machines for Aduku Health Centre IV in Kwania District and Dokolo Health Centre IV. The equipment is expected to help decentralize sickle cell testing and improve access to early diagnosis in the two areas.

LRRH currently provides chronic sickle cell care to more than 1,780 registered patients, while health officials believe many more people in rural communities remain undiagnosed.

As stakeholders gather to confront the sickle cell burden in Lango, the summit and the Uhuru Sickle Cell Run are expected to strengthen awareness, improve access to early diagnosis and mobilize resources for better care and management of the disease across the sub-region.