Expanding early diagnosis, comprehensive clinical care, and health workforce capacity for children living with sickle cell disease across Uganda.
Uganda has one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally, with an estimated 20,000 babies born with the condition each year. Baylor Foundation Uganda is strengthening Uganda's health system to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality SCD services through the Sickle Cell Access, Linkages, Care and Expansion (SCALE) Program. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Texas Children's Global HOPE, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Sickle Cell Clinic, Uganda Paediatric Association, and Uganda National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, and funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, the SCALE Program is integrating SCD care into primary healthcare, bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to children and families. The programme launched in the Kayunga Region in 2024 and expanded to the Lira Region in 2025, creating a scalable model for nationwide implementation.
