The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has launched the 2026 Annual Sickle Cell Run, with a target of raising funds to procure more than 60,000 doses of Hydroxyurea for sickle cell patients in the Busoga sub-region, where the disease is most prevalent.
The run, scheduled for September 20, 2026, will also serve as a nationwide awareness campaign on sickle cell disease, with organisers stressing that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the growing burden of the condition.
Speaking at the launch, PSU Vice President Dr Nuru Mugide said sickle cell disease continues to claim thousands of lives and places a heavy emotional, social and financial burden on families, while straining Uganda’s healthcare system.
She cited global estimates indicating that about 300,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year, while Uganda records approximately 20,000 new cases annually. According to PSU, 14 per cent of Ugandans carry the sickle cell trait, and between 50 and 80 per cent of children born with the disease in Africa die before the age of five if they do not receive appropriate care. In Uganda alone, an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 children die from sickle cell disease every year.
PSU says people living with sickle cell disease endure chronic pain, frequent hospital admissions, stigma, high treatment costs and limited access to specialist care and essential medicines. The society notes that Busoga has one of the country’s highest sickle cell prevalence rates and the largest number of patients unable to afford treatment.
While treatment helps patients manage the condition, Mugide said greater emphasis must be placed on public awareness and prevention.
“We are not running just to buy the drug. Our main focus is to create awareness, because prevention is better than cure. Yes, we also want to support government efforts to improve access to Hydroxyurea. Currently, the National Medical Stores is only supplying the drug to 72 health facilities. So we want to support the government,” Mugide said.
She explained that all proceeds from this year’s run will be used to purchase at least 60,000 doses of Hydroxyurea for patients in Busoga. Hydroxyurea stimulates the production of fetal haemoglobin, which reduces the sickling of red blood cells, leading to fewer pain crises, fewer hospital admissions and improved quality of life.
Dr Hope Fortunate Achiro, a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, said prevention should begin with widespread screening to help people know their sickle cell status before entering relationships and marriage. She said individuals who both carry the sickle cell trait should be counselled on the risks of having children with the disease.
Achiro, who lost two daughters to sickle cell disease in 2024, described the condition as more than a medical challenge, saying it devastates families emotionally, socially and financially. She recalled years of repeated hospital admissions, severe pain crises, blood transfusions and intensive care treatment as her daughters battled the disease.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda commended the government for integrating sickle cell screening into maternal and child health services and for providing free Hydroxyurea in public health facilities. However, the society urged authorities to accelerate the rollout of newborn screening services and expand access to subsidised medicines.
This year’s Annual Sickle Cell Run will be held under the theme: “Let Us Run to Save the Lives of Children with Sickle Cell Disease,” and is expected to attract hundreds of participants from across the country-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
