Health 20 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Misconceptions, Desertion Hinder Sickle Cell Treatment in Uganda
Cultural stigma and spousal desertion are severely impacting sickle cell disease treatment efforts in Uganda, forcing families to hide diagnoses and reject medical care. "The visible and debilitating nature of the disease often leads to negative perceptions, affecting patients’ mental health, social integration, and even employment opportunities," stated Dr. Henry Ddungu, consultant haematologist at Uganda Cancer Institute. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-misconceptions-spousal-desertion-are-crippling-sickle-cell-treatment-efforts-5503510
Persistent stigma, ingrained cultural myths, and high rates of spousal abandonment are significantly derailing sickle cell disease treatment in Uganda. Health experts revealed that these societal barriers are causing some parents to conceal affected children or refuse essential medical interventions.
During the launch of the Rooted Life Foundation in Kampala on June 19, coinciding with World Sickle Cell Day, concerns were amplified. The foundation, established by former MP Joyce Bagala, aims to boost awareness, screening, and support for families affected by the genetic disorder.
Dr. Henry Ddungu, a consultant haematologist at the Uganda Cancer Institute, highlighted that public stigma remains a major obstacle. “Families hide their children or conceal a diagnosis for fear of being shunned by society,” he explained. Misinformation also leads some to reject treatments like hydroxyurea, only to find it effective later.
Culturally, sickle cell disease has been wrongly associated with witchcraft or curses, leading to the neglect of medical causes. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekasanvu, a physician and nephrologist, noted that women often bear the brunt of societal judgment, with men sometimes abandoning families when a child is born with the condition, despite it being an inherited disorder.
The Ministry of Health acknowledges awareness and infrastructure gaps. Commissioner Richard Kabanda emphasized the need to target Uganda’s youth for behavioral change campaigns. The government is also addressing a shortage of specialized healthcare professionals, encouraging non-state actors to assist.
Ms. Bagala stated the Rooted Life Foundation was born from her family’s personal struggle with sickle cell, revealing how little many people understand the disease. The foundation’s focus on advocacy, screening, and family support seeks to prevent families from facing the condition in isolation and ignorance.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)