SASCELLS Boosts Sickle Cell Testing, Care with New Donation to Goma Health Centre III

MUKONO – 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) funded by Sickle Foward, a US based partner.

The organisation donated 300 microhaem testing kits, 200 cartridges for the Gazelle diagnostic machine and three patient record books to the health facility, strengthening its capacity to conduct tests, identify blood disorders and support the management of persons 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 through the provision of diagnostic testing kits and regular refills of cartridges for the Gazelle machine, which is used to confirm sickle cell disease and detect other blood disorders.

The continued support is expected to improve access to diagnostic services, particularly for patients who might otherwise face challenges accessing specialised testing.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner for Pharmacy and Natural Medicines, Dr Martha Grace Ajulong, who served as the chief guest.

Dr Ajulong emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness, proper hygiene and sound management practices at the medical store. She urged health workers to take responsibility for keeping the facility clean and properly maintained to protect the safety and quality of medicines.

She also pledged continued support towards strengthening healthcare services at the facility.

Together with the Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba, Dr Ajulong commended SASCELLS and Sickle Foward for its continued partnership with health facilities, particularly its contribution towards 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 conducted training for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at Kojja Health Centre IV in Katosi, focusing on supporting people living with sickle cell disease (sickle cell warriors). During the exercise, the organisation donated 480 testing kits to support community screening and early detection.

The organisation has also conducted donations in several districts, including Buikwe, where Ngogwe Health Centre IV, Makindu Health Centre III and Najjembe Health Centre III benefited.

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 is seeking to strengthen the capacity of health facilities and frontline health workers to identify sickle cell disease early, improve access to diagnostic services and support patients through appropriate care.

Early diagnosis remains an important part of sickle cell disease management because it enables affected individuals and their families to access appropriate medical guidance and interventions, helping reduce complications associated with delayed identification.

The continued provision of testing supplies, alongside community health worker training, is therefore an important step towards bringing sickle cell screening and care closer to communities.