In a remarkable display of corporate philanthropy, Stanbic Bank Uganda has announced a generous donation of 10,000,000 Ugandan Shillings to bolster the forthcoming Uhuru Sickle Cell Run, set to take place on October 5, 2024, in the vibrant city of Lira in Northern Uganda.
This noble initiative, organized by the Catherine Phil Sickle Support Initiative, aims to raise awareness and secure vital funding for healthcare needs related to sickle cell disease in Uganda.
The Uhuru Sickle Cell Run is primarily designed to raise funds for the acquisition of an HB electrophoresis machine, a pivotal tool for the precise and efficient diagnosis of sickle cell disease at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Alebtong Health Centre IV. The availability of such diagnostic technology is indispensable in a nation grappling with the significant public health challenge posed by sickle cell disease.
The prevalence of sickle cell disease in Uganda is a critical concern, particularly in Alebtong District, which reports the highest incidence at 23.8 percent. Alarmingly, around 25,000 children are born with this condition each year, with a heartbreaking 80% failing to reach their fifth birthday due to related complications.
These distressing statistics highlight the pressing need for improved healthcare services and awareness initiatives to combat this life-threatening ailment.
Stanbic Bank’s Dedication
Stanbic Bank Uganda’s commitment to enhancing maternal and child health initiatives is a testament to its overarching corporate social responsibility objectives.
By supporting the Uhuru Sickle Cell Run, the bank not only facilitates fundraising efforts but also plays an essential role in amplifying public awareness regarding sickle cell disease and its profound effects on families and communities throughout Uganda.
