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News desk 22/6/2026
Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), in partnership with Pearl Bank, whose purpose is to foster prosperity for Uganda, joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day, aimed at raising awareness and showcasing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) research; during the same event, the Bone Marrow Transplant regional drive targeting to raise USD 4 million was launched following a successful rollout in Kampala early this year.
World Sickle Cell Day is commemorated annually on 19th June to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease and advocate for improved care and support for persons living with SCD. The global observance was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, which adopted a resolution declaring sickle cell anaemia a global public health concern and urged Member States to raise awareness and observe the day each year.
Approximately 20,000–25,000 children are born with SCD annually, and without comprehensive care, 70–80% die before the age of five. It is further estimated that about 13% of the Ugandan population carries the sickle cell trait, with prevalence rising as high as 24% in some districts. The Busoga region, where Jinja is located, bears a disproportionate burden with sickle cell trait prevalence of 16.7% – one of the highest in the country.
This year, World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD) was held under the theme: “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.” The celebrations were held in Jinja, in the Busoga region, which has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in Uganda. The activities were spearheaded by the Ministry of Health Uganda in partnership with the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Raising Hope International Friends, Pearl Bank and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of Priscilla Akora, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Pearl Bank, Jane Atuhairwe, Branch Business Manager at Pearl Bank revealed that the bank is pleased to take part in this year's World Sickle Cell Day celebration, for we believe that if we have a Healthy population, our people can engage in activities that align with the country's developmental goals.
She said, “In alignment with the Bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) pillar on Health, supporting this initiative presents an opportunity for the Bank to actively participate in national efforts to demystify sickle cell disease, promote early diagnosis and linkage to care, reduce stigma, and strengthen psychosocial support for affected individuals and their families.”
This engagement also further reinforces Pearl Bank’s partnership with JCRC, which is anchored on a national fundraising drive to establish a specialized Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre where the Bank committed UGX 200 million to support the USD 4 million fundraising drive.
Representing the chief guest, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director Public Health, pledged continued support towards improving health services and, more generally, the livelihoods of Ugandans.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Health, Uganda, will continue to be at the forefront of providing the necessary support to conduct research and raise awareness about sickle cell disease across the country, through planning and implementation, to ensure alignment with national health priorities, including nationwide newborn screening and linkage to care.
The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) is a leading clinical research institution advancing SCD care in Uganda. Some of the existing and planned initiatives include: Red Blood Cell Exchange: An active unit for managing children and adults with severe SCD complications, helping them achieve closer-to-normal lives; Bone Marrow Transplant Centre (in development) said Dr. Cissy Kityo, Executive Director, JCRC.
Dr. Kityo further revealed that JCRC is in the initial stages of establishing Uganda's first BMT Centre at the Lubowa campus. Once operational, this centre will cater to conditions requiring bone marrow transplant, including blood cancer and sickle cell disease. Current activities focus on capacity building, infrastructure development, and foundational research.