Hoima District has received an automated chemistry analyser machine to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and routine monitoring of patients living with sickle cell disease, a move expected to significantly reduce referrals and improve quality of care at district health facilities.
The machine was donated by the Serafina Sickle Cell Society (SASCELLS) in partnership with Sickle Forward, a US-based organisation and officially handed over to Kigolobya Health Centre IV, one of the key facilities offering specialised services in the district.
Sarafina Bukirwa, the Executive Director of SASCELLS, said effective management of sickle cell disease relies heavily on routine medical examinations and point-of-care testing to guide treatment decisions.
Bukirwa explained that patients on long-term medication, particularly hydroxyurea, a commonly prescribed drug for sickle cell disease, require regular laboratory monitoring to assess liver and kidney function, lipid profiles, cholesterol levels, and other key chemistry parameters.
“Without proper testing, we risk treating patients blindly,” Bukirwa said. “We need to know whether the medication is improving the patient’s condition, worsening it, or whether dosages need to be adjusted or stopped altogether. These tests must be done every three months to ensure safe and effective treatment.”
She added that the need for regular testing applies to both children and adults living with sickle cell disease, noting that chemistry analysers are critical in preventing complications and detecting risks early.
Bukirwa said SASCELLS set a goal to equip districts it supports with modern chemistry analysers before the end of 2025, acknowledging that the high cost of the equipment has long limited their availability in public health facilities.
“Each analyser costs about Shs28 million, requires monthly servicing, and uses specialised cartridges,” she explained. “Each cartridge costs around Shs70,000 and is used for one patient, but it tests up to 19 parameters, including liver and renal function, which is extremely valuable for comprehensive care.”
As part of the support to Hoima District, SASCELLS has provided one analyser machine and 50 cartridges, with a commitment to supply additional cartridges every month for the next two years to ensure continuity of services for patients.
Hoima is the first district to benefit under the current phase of the project. Bukirwa said the initiative will next roll out to Ntoroko District, followed by Mukono and Buikwe districts.
Beyond equipment donation, SASCELLS is also redistributing sickle cell test kits, conducting routine screening for children aged zero to five years, and retraining health workers on the use of both the newly donated chemistry analyser and previously supplied Gazelle machines used for sickle cell diagnosis.
On his part, Hoima District Health Officer, Dr Lawrence Mukiibi, welcomed the donation, saying the district has been grappling with high numbers of patients requiring specialised tests but lacked the necessary equipment.
“This machine is a timely intervention,” Dr Mukiibi said. “We have had to refer many patients due to the absence of a chemistry analyser. With this support from Serafina Sickle Cell Society and its partners, referrals will reduce, and patients will access specialised analysis right here.”
He added that the district’s priority will now be to mobilise communities to turn up for screening and testing, ensuring that the new equipment is fully utilised for early diagnosis and effective disease management.
Health officials and partners expressed optimism that the analyser will significantly improve point-of-care testing, enhance treatment outcomes, and ease the burden on referral hospitals, particularly for families affected by sickle cell disease in Hoima District and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
