The continued support is expected to improve access to diagnostic services, particularly for patients who might otherwise struggle to access specialised testing.
Patients seeking diagnosis and treatment for sickle cell disease at Goma Health Centre III are set to benefit from improved testing services following a donation of diagnostic equipment and supplies by the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society (SASCELLS), with funding from its US-based partner, Sickle Forward.
The organisation donated 300 microhaem testing kits, 200 cartridges for the Gazelle diagnostic machine and three patient record books to the health facility to strengthen its capacity to conduct tests, identify blood disorders and support the management of people living with sickle cell disease.
The donation was made on Friday during the commissioning of a newly constructed medical store at Goma Health Centre III, marking another milestone in efforts to improve healthcare delivery and the management of essential medicines.
SASCELLS has been supporting the facility by providing diagnostic testing kits and regular supplies of cartridges for the Gazelle machine, which is used to confirm sickle cell disease and detect other blood disorders.
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The continued support is expected to improve access to diagnostic services, particularly for patients who might otherwise struggle to access specialised testing.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner for Pharmacy and Natural Medicines, Dr Martha Grace Ajulong, who was the chief guest.
Dr Ajulong emphasised the importance of cleanliness, proper hygiene and sound management practices at the medical store. She urged health workers to take responsibility for maintaining the facility to safeguard the quality and safety of medicines.
She also pledged continued support towards strengthening healthcare services at the facility.
Together with the Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, Dr Ajulong commended SASCELLS and Sickle Forward for their continued partnership with health facilities, particularly their contribution to sickle cell disease prevention, early detection and management.
Beyond Goma Health Centre III, SASCELLS has extended its interventions to other health facilities through the distribution of diagnostic kits and community-level training aimed at improving awareness and early identification of sickle cell disease.
Recently, the organisation trained Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at Kojja Health Centre IV in Katosi, focusing on improving support for people living with sickle cell disease, commonly referred to as sickle cell warriors. During the exercise, SASCELLS donated 480 testing kits to support community screening and early detection.
The organisation has also extended its interventions to several health facilities in Buikwe District, including Ngogwe Health Centre IV, Makindu Health Centre III and Najjembe Health Centre III.
Other beneficiary facilities include Dwoli Health Centre III, Kapaapi Health Centre III and Kigorobya Health Centre IV in Hoima District, as well as Rwebisengo Health Centre IV in Ntoroko District.
Through these interventions, SASCELLS seeks to strengthen the capacity of health facilities and frontline health workers to identify sickle cell disease early, improve access to diagnostic services and ensure patients receive appropriate care.
Early diagnosis is an important part of sickle cell disease management because it enables affected individuals and their families to access appropriate medical guidance and interventions, helping to reduce complications associated with delayed identification.
The continued provision of testing supplies, alongside training for community health workers, is therefore expected to bring sickle cell screening and care closer to communities.
