Jinja Hospital gets sickle cell diagnosing machine

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Individuals and families grappling with sickle cell in the Busoga sub-region have reason to smile after Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH) acquired a state-of-the-art sickle cell diagnosing machine. 

The Gazelle machine worth sh15m was handed over to the deputy medical director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Afizi Kibuuka, by Busoga Kingdom’s second deputy prime minister Osman Ahmed Noor, during the 3rd annual general meeting for the year ending 2023 of Busoga Health Forum (BHF) held at Civil Service College of Uganda Jinja on March 20, 2024.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, was the chief guest. 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Agrey David Kibenge (left) launching the Process towards a Multi-sectoral Busoga Children and Young People Strategy after the BHF 3rd AGM at Civil Service College of Uganda Jinja. Looking on is Prof. Peter Waiswa (2nd right) the chairperson BHF Board of Directors. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Noor said Busoga is faced with sobering realities regarding the health landscape of the cherished Busoga sub-region adding that findings of the LANCET Global Health Study in 2017 revealed that the prevalence of sickle cell trait in Busoga stands at a staggering 20%, significantly surpassing the national average of 13.3%. 

He said that the machine handed over to JRRH marks a pivotal moment in the collective fight against the debilitating condition, empowering them with the ability to diagnose and treat sickle cell in a timely manner. 

Noor said the launch of the screening machine stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between government entities, civil society organisations and the private sector adding that it exemplifies what can be achieved when people unite with a shared vision and purpose.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the BHF for spearheading the fundraising efforts that made this initiative possible. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have brought tangible relief to countless individuals across our region,” he said.

He further expressed his profound appreciation to the BHF and its 66 partners for their unwavering dedication and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in the region.

After his address, Noor handed over his contribution of sh5m to BHF’s chief executive officer, Moses Kyangwa.

In his governance report, the chairperson BHF board of directors, Prof Peter Waiswa, outlined some of the achievements of BHF and these included the collaboration with JRRH and Stride Jinja Hospital which led to initiatives such as upgrading the children’s unit into a specialised hospital, master plan review, blood bank construction and infrastructural development appeals.

Other included BHF serving as a hub for partner coordination in the Busoga sub-region, promoting Continuing Medical Education Services (CMES), developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and conducting successful fundraising events resulting in the acquisition of a sickle cell machine and BHF successfully attracting partners like USAID, PATH, JICA and ICLD among others.

Prof. Waiswa further said that despite achievements in place, BHF is faced with challenges which include low membership payments which have affected their financial sustainability, Resource constraints hindering their engagement with the district health officers forum and community structures which has limited their outreach and effectiveness, plus technical working groups not fully functionalised.

CEO Kyangwa said that BHF plans for the next reporting period include continuing to build the capacity of community-based organisations and health systems to sustainably provide competent services for better health outcomes for the communities and citizens of this Country.

Kyangwa said they hope to develop a BHF revenue diversification plan for 2024-2028 with a view of alleviating the organisation’s short, medium, and long-term funding challenges.

Chief guest Kibenge said he is going to be an ambassador of BHF in the public sector. 

He urged participants to always organise themselves and engage into programs that develop Busoga instead of agonising.

Kibenge pledged sh1m from his monthly salary towards BHF and after his remarks, he launched the process towards a Multi-sectoral Busoga Children and Young People Strategy.