Uganda has launched its first Hydroxyurea manufacturing facility in a major step toward improving access to treatment for people living with sickle cell disease.

The facility, commissioned at Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) in Luzira, Kampala, was officially inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine.

According to Dr Atwine, the development marks an important milestone in Uganda’s fight against sickle cell disease, a condition that continues to affect thousands of families across the country.

“Many sicklers and their families have had to endure the physical and psychological burden, with treatment often too expensive for ordinary Ugandans,” Dr Atwine said.

She added that local production of Hydroxyurea, branded as Sikurea, will improve both the availability and affordability of the life-saving medicine.

The Ministry of Health also confirmed that Hydroxyurea has been added to Uganda’s list of essential medicines and will be distributed across public health facilities to expand patient access.

Quality Chemical Industries Limited said the launch represents a significant breakthrough in improving affordable and effective treatment for sickle cell disease patients in Uganda.

“Hydroxyurea is clinically proven to reduce painful crises, decrease hospital admissions, and improve the overall quality of life for patients living with SCD,” the company stated.

Uganda remains one of the countries heavily affected by sickle cell disease in Africa. Health experts estimate that about 20,000 babies are born with the condition every year in Uganda.

Medical experts say Hydroxyurea is one of the most effective treatments currently available for managing sickle cell disease because it helps reduce complications and improves survival rates among patients.

The launch of the manufacturing plant also comes amid growing continental discussions on tackling inherited blood disorders, including recent engagements under the Africa CDC Continental Plan on Sickle Cell Disease.

QCIL, one of East Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, has increasingly expanded local medicine production aimed at reducing dependence on imported drugs across Africa.

Government officials and healthcare stakeholders say the local production of Hydroxyurea could significantly ease the treatment burden for thousands of Ugandan families affected by sickle cell disease.