Health workers and private sector stakeholders, united under the auspices of the Busoga Health Forum (BHF), have made a significant donation to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital by providing a portable sickle cell screening machine.
This invaluable contribution, valued at 15 million shillings, was made possible through a fundraising initiative spearheaded by the BHF, with members generously contributing funds towards this commendable endeavor.
The Busoga sub-region faces a disproportionately high prevalence of sickle cell disease, with 23% of its population at risk, well above the national average of 13%. The introduction of this screening machine will facilitate voluntary testing among couples before marriage, a pivotal measure in preventing further transmissions of the disease.
Samuel Kasibante, a senior laboratory technologist at Jinja Hospital, expressed profound appreciation for the donation, citing the hospital’s previous dependence on Mulago National Referral Hospital for sickle cell screening services. With the acquisition of the new machine, patients can anticipate expedited results, eliminating delays in treatment initiation and counseling.
Kasibante underscored the efficiency of the portable screening machine, which provides results within 15 minutes per client, significantly enhancing the accessibility of this vital service. Prof. Peter Waiswa, Chairperson of the BHF, addressed the pressing sickle cell burden in Busoga, highlighting prevalent misconceptions and delays in seeking treatment.
He emphasized the critical role of early detection in facilitating effective disease management, ensuring that children can lead healthy lives from infancy through adulthood. Waiswa also referenced the Ministry of Health’s recommendation for mandatory sickle cell screening of newborns, initially piloted at Jinja Hospital. However, challenges in receiving timely results have hindered optimal follow-up with parents.
Regarding affordability, Kasibante disclosed that private sickle cell screening centers in Busoga typically charge 40,000 shillings per test, encompassing test kit expenses and operational overheads.
To enhance accessibility, Jinja Hospital will offer test kits at a reduced rate of 25,000 shillings, primarily targeting newborns whose parents may face financial constraints. Kasibante appealed to the government to provide free test kits, particularly for newborns, while proposing a nominal fee for couples undergoing pre-marital screening.