Rwenzori Leaders Call for Mandatory Sickle Cell Screening Before Marriage Amid Alarming Rise in Cases
By Stephen Ainganiza – Communication Officer Kabarole
At the annual Joint and Integrated Regional Performance Review Conference held at Fort Breeze Hotel in Fort Portal, leaders from the Rwenzori region issued a strong recommendation:
couples intending to marry in church should be required to present a certificate confirming they have undergone sickle cell screening.
This comes in response to a troubling surge in sickle cell cases reported across health facilities in the region.
Hospital Cases
Dr. Beatrice Komugisa, pediatrician at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, revealed that the hospital has registered over 600 patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
She emphasized the social burden: “Many mothers are left to struggle alone after fathers disappear.”
District Cases
Dr. Richard Rwabuhinga, Kabarole District Chairperson, cited 5,527 cases in the district, calling for intensified awareness campaigns and early testing.
Sickle Cell Burden in the Rwenzori Region
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Komugisa advocated for mandatory screening before marriage, particularly for couples planning church weddings.
Her proposal was echoed by Dr. Bahizi Archbald Newton Sebahire, who stressed that this could eliminate sickle cell disease from the region within a decade.
The conference also brought together District Health Officers, RDCs, RCCs, Chairpersons, consultants, health educators, media, religious leaders,
and development partners to track progress in health service delivery and strengthen accountability.
About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, causing red blood cells to become misshapen.
This leads to chronic anemia, painful episodes, infections, and potential organ damage.
Mandatory screening could be a turning point in prevention and public health reform for the Rwenzori region.