Faith Leaders Mobilized in the Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease at National Dialogue

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), under its Religions for Peace initiative, convened a high-level Faith Sector Health and Sustainable HIV Financing Dialogue at Hotel Africana on April 29th, 2026. The dialogue brought together religious leaders, policymakers, health experts, and development partners to explore the role of faith communities in advancing public health and sustainable financing.

A key highlight of the event was the contribution of the ENRICH Project and SPARCO Uganda, which played an important role in supporting the dialogue and showcasing their work in strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in the area of sickle cell disease.

During the plenary session, Professor Sarah Kiguli from the ENRICH Project delivered a powerful and insightful presentation on sickle cell disease. She emphasized the critical progress made in:

• Improving sickle cell disease management
• Strengthening patient care systems
• Supporting enrollment into the National Digital Sickle Cell Register

Professor Kiguli also addressed persistent community misconceptions, noting that many people still associate sickle cell disease with witchcraft. She called upon religious leaders to take a leading role in transforming these beliefs by:

• Raising awareness within their communities
• Promoting accurate health information
• Encouraging early diagnosis and proper treatment

She stressed that sickle cell disease is manageable, and with the right support systems and community awareness, patients can lead healthy and productive lives.

The dialogue underscored the unique influence of faith leaders as trusted voices in communities and their potential to bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the public. Participants agreed that strengthening partnerships between religious institutions, government, and health programs like ENRICH and SPARCO is essential in improving health outcomes across Uganda.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to continue working collaboratively towards a healthier, informed, and empowered society.