Makerere University
Makerere University proudly serves as the host institution for the SPARCo Uganda Project, providing strategic, academic, and institutional leadership to advance sickle cell research, training, and clinical care.
Through the Makerere University College of Health Sciences, the project benefits from a strong foundation in medical education, research excellence, and health systems strengthening. The College plays a central role in housing SPARCo’s workshops, technical trainings, and capacity-building initiatives.
As a hub for innovation and professional development, the College of Health Sciences hosts the majority of SPARCo’s training programs — equipping healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community champions with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as change agents and trainers of trainers across Uganda and the region.
By anchoring SPARCo within a leading academic institution, Makerere University ensures that research, policy engagement, and community action are closely integrated, fostering sustainable impact in the fight against sickle cell disease.
National Institute of Health (NIH)
The SPARCo Uganda Project is solely funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the approved grant number referenced in the project award. This five-year funding commitment reflects NIH’s strong support for advancing research, capacity building, and sustainable interventions in sickle cell disease.
Through this grant, NIH has enabled the strengthening of research infrastructure, training of emerging scientists, enhancement of clinical care systems, and promotion of data-driven policies aimed at improving outcomes for people living with sickle cell disease.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and long-term impact in addressing sickle cell disease in Uganda and the region.
Mulago National Referral Hospital
Mulago National Referral Hospital serves as a key clinical partner for the SPARCo Uganda Project. The project is based within the hospital’s Acute Care Department, a critical hub for the management of sickle cell disease and related complications.
As Uganda’s premier national referral and teaching hospital, Mulago is home to highly skilled physicians, pediatricians, hematologists, nurses, and allied health professionals with extensive experience in the care of children and adults living with sickle cell disease. Their expertise provides a strong clinical foundation for patient-centered care, research implementation, and mentorship of emerging health professionals.
The centralized sickle cell registry is also housed within this clinic, making it a vital site for patient enrollment, longitudinal follow-up, and data collection. This integration of clinical care and research ensures that evidence generated directly informs practice, strengthens standards of care, and improves health outcomes.
Through this partnership, Mulago National Referral Hospital continues to play a pivotal role in advancing comprehensive sickle cell care and supporting national efforts to address the disease.
Ministry of Health
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The Ministry of Health Uganda serves as the principal policy and oversight partner for the SPARCo Uganda Project. As the national custodian of health programs and policies, the Ministry plays a central role in guiding, supervising, and sustaining efforts aimed at reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in Uganda.
SPARCo operates under the strategic direction and supervision of the Ministry of Health to ensure alignment with national health priorities, standards, and regulatory frameworks. This partnership strengthens the integration of research findings into national policy, clinical guidelines, and service delivery systems.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima
“As policymakers, the Government remains committed to supporting the SPARCo Project to strengthen sickle cell care and improve the lives of patients across Uganda.”
Uganda Muslim Council
“As faith leaders, we stand in solidarity with families affected by sickle cell disease and fully support the SPARCo Project in promoting compassionate care, awareness, and hope across our communities.”
Champion
“As a champion living with sickle cell disease, I want others to know that you can live a full and meaningful life. With proper medical care, regular follow-ups, and the support of doctors, guardians, and family, it is possible to grow, thrive, and reach your goals. Sickle cell disease does not define your future — informed care and strong support make all the difference.”
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Background and Public Health Need
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder predominantly affecting populations in sub-Saharan Africa. While mortality and morbidity have significantly declined in high-income countries due to evidence-based interventions, similar outcomes have not yet been fully realized in many African settings, including Uganda. This disparity highlights the urgent need for context-specific, sustainable solutions.
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Project Goal and Innovations
The project aims to transform sickle cell outcomes in Uganda through the implementation of innovative, evidence-based strategies. Key interventions include the establishment of a centralized electronic registry, development and rollout of standardized clinical care guidelines, and strengthening structured patient follow-up systems.
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Research Approach
To ensure impact and sustainability, the project integrates cohort research and implementation science. These approaches generate high-quality data to evaluate clinical outcomes, assess effectiveness of interventions, and identify best practices for large-scale implementation within resource-limited settings.
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Expected Impact and Policy Influence
The anticipated findings will inform national policy formulation and support the sustainable rollout of proven interventions across Uganda. Furthermore, the evidence generated will contribute to regional learning and guide broader adoption of effective sickle cell care models across sub-Saharan Africa.