Health 7 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Pharmacists Rally Shs120 Million for Sickle Cell Medication Drive
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda has launched a Shs120 million fundraising campaign, "Sickle Cell Run 2026," to provide essential Hydroxyurea medication to vulnerable patients. The initiative aims to combat Uganda's significant burden of sickle cell disease, with an estimated 20,000 new diagnoses annually. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/pharmacists-launch-shs120m-drive-to-provide-sickle-cell-drugs-5550748
Pharmacists in Uganda are embarking on an ambitious fundraising mission to address the critical need for sickle cell medication. The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has initiated a campaign, “Sickle Cell Run 2026,” targeting Shs120 million to procure Hydroxyurea, a vital drug for managing sickle cell disease.
Scheduled for September 20, the Sickle Cell Run aims to gather funds through participation, with all proceeds dedicated to purchasing more than 60,000 doses of Hydroxyurea for children who cannot afford the treatment. Dr. Nuru Mugide, Vice President of the PSU, emphasized the society’s commitment, stating, “As pharmacists, we believe no patient should die because they cannot afford medicine, and this run is our commitment to access.”
Uganda faces a considerable challenge with sickle cell disease, reportedly diagnosing around 20,000 new cases each year. Globally, the condition affects over 7.7 million people, with a significant majority of new births occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to screening and affordable treatment is often limited, leading to high child mortality rates.
In parallel, the National Medical Stores (NMS) is expanding its distribution of sickle cell medicines. Currently supplying a package including Hydroxyurea, Penicillin V, and pain management drugs to 72 facilities, NMS plans to broaden its reach in the upcoming financial year to identify and serve more eligible health centers based on patient needs.
The PSU’s initiative is not only about fundraising but also about raising public awareness. The Sickle Cell Run 2026 will incorporate educational components to inform the public about the disease, its prevention, and treatment options, highlighting that sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that can affect any family.