My name is Mafabi Mathias, an Enrich Master’s fellow and a resident of Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University in second year. My academic journey has been closely rooted in Makerere University where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences followed by a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. I completed my medical internship from Mulago National Referral
Hospital and subsequently worked as a research assistant in different research programs and then
with two medical centres and finally with Holy Innocent Hospital, Attirir, Bukedea, where I
gained valuable experience in providing care to patients including children.
I have a particular interest in Sickle cell disease and childhood cancer, two areas that continue to
place a significant burden on children and families in Uganda. My current postgraduate research
focuses on prevalence and indications of blood transfusion among children and adolescents
living with Sickle cell disease at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
As a Paediatrician in training, I hope to contribute to improving, the quality and accessibility of
healthcare for children particularly those living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. I
aspire to promote early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and evidence-based approaches that can
improve survival and quality of life. In the long term, I have a strong career interest in Paediatric
haemato-oncology where I hope to develop specialized expertise in caring for children with
blood disorders and childhood cancers and contribute to research and improvement in care.
I value integrity, compassion, teamwork, continuous learning and service to others. I am deeply
grateful to Enrich for investing in my education and research career. This support is not only
helping me pursue my postgraduate education but also equipping me with knowledge and skills
that I need to thrive as a Paediatrician towards the care of children and adolescents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY STUDY
My study will assess blood transfusion practices among children and adolescents living with
sickle cell disease admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
In addition, it will determine the prevalence and indications of blood transfusion using hospital
based cross sectional design involving patient interviews and retrospective medical record
review.
The study will generate local evidence to improve transfusion stewardship, patient safety,
resource allocation and quality of SCD care at Mulago National Referral Hospital.