Teso Community Urged to Participate in Sickle Cell Awareness Run to Support Laboratory Equipment at Atutur Hospital

Dr. Emmanuel Ongala, the Kumi District Health Officer, has called on the Teso community to join the upcoming sickle cell awareness run aimed at raising funds to equip the sickle cell laboratory at Atutur General Hospital.

Dr. Ongala emphasized that sickle cell disease remains a neglected health issue, as it is not prioritized by the government. He urged community members to contribute resources to improve laboratory facilities, which currently face a shortage of essential equipment.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Ongala revealed that the number of sickle cell cases in the region has surged from 900 to 1,600 in less than two years.

He appealed to everyone to know their sickle cell status and take proactive steps to combat the disease.