siclke
By Moses Kindandi
Government has revealed several strategies through which it is to combat sickle cells burden that has continued to grow in the country.
Addressing the press in Kampala, the Director General Health services at the ministry, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng says among the strategies including testing of new bones and expectant mothers, orienting doctor in all public health facilities on managing and treating sickle cells.
She adds that they are also coupled with provision of drugs like folic acid, Fancida, penisline and anti malarial complimented with mass sensitization and counseling.
However, the MOH head of the sickle cells department Dr. Charles Kiyaga appeals for combined efforts from Ugandans as a route to combat the disease though he emphasizes the need for couples or lover to always test before having kids.
Saturday this week, the Speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga will be the chief walker at the sickle cells walk where Ugandans are called upon to come in big numbers for testing at Mulago nurses grounds.
According to MOH statistics, Uganda gives life to between 1500 and 2000 babies with sickle cells disease with the high burdened districts lying along the Lake Kyoga belt.