Sickle Cell Disease Prevention and Management Program
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF SILENT SUFFERING
Uganda has one of the world’s highest burdens of sickle cell disease. The Sameday Foundation is committed to transforming the outcomes of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease in Eastern Uganda. Our program includes newborn screening, early treatment, specialized care centers, and training for healthcare workers. We’re working to reduce childhood mortality and ensure affected families get the care they deserve.
Impact Goal
Screen 150,000+ newborns annually and reduce sickle cell-related mortality by 40%.
The Challenge:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited conditions in Uganda, yet it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood—especially in rural areas. Children often go undetected until life-threatening complications arise, and many families lack the resources or knowledge to manage the condition. Stigma and misinformation only deepen the isolation faced by those living with SCD.
Our Approach:
Sameday Foundation is leading a community-based response to sickle cell disease in Eastern Uganda. We combine early diagnosis, comprehensive medical care, and family education to reduce complications and improve quality of life for affected individuals—especially children. Our program focuses on thorough, community-based strategies that include newborn screening, early diagnosis, and ongoing medical care.
What We Do:
- Newborn and School-Based Screening: Expanding access to early detection in high-risk districts
- Chronic Care Management: Developing individual care plans including vaccinations, nutrition, and pain crisis support
- Family and Caregiver Education: Providing culturally sensitive education to reduce stigma and strengthen home care
- Community Outreach: Partnering with schools and health centers to raise awareness and increase referrals
- Health Worker Training: Equipping clinicians with the skills to diagnose and manage sickle cell disease
- Referral and Follow-up Systems: Ensuring timely specialist care for severe or complicated cases
Our Impact:
- 5,000+ children screened annually across Eastern Uganda
- 70% of identified cases enrolled in consistent follow-up care
- 60% drop in emergency admissions among managed patients
- Increased community knowledge and reduced stigma through outreach
- Building a replicable model for rural sickle cell management
Patient Story:
“Before we knew what sickle cell was, we thought our daughter was cursed—she was always in pain,” shares James, a father from Budaka. “Now, with regular checkups, counseling, and medicine from Same Day Foundation, she plays, eats, and goes to school like other children. The fear is gone—we finally have hope.”
Join the Effort:
Your support helps us reach more children before crisis strikes. Just $15 funds a full screening, while $100 supports a family’s full-year care plan. Together, we can rewrite the story of sickle cell disease in Uganda.