Health Minister Launches Wellness Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital
Lira City | 14th October 2025
The Minister for Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng commissioned a wellness Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to boost early screening and management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Lango Sub-region.
The event also saw the launch of citizen-led task forces to extend health services closer to communities.
The new facility will offer integrated screening and diagnostic services for conditions including SCD, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
It represents a key step in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to shift from curative to preventive health care, ensuring that citizens receive timely screening and intervention before complications arise.
Lango Sub-region has one of the highest Sickle Cell Disease prevalence rates. In Uganda an estimated 20,000 children are born with SCD each year, a burden that continues to strain families and local health systems.
At the same time, the growing burden of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer continues to strain the health system, with chronic diseases now accounting for nearly 33% of all deaths nationwide.
The investment in diagnostic infrastructure is expected to expand access to early testing and comprehensive care.
Dr. Aceng noted that the growing national burden of Sickle Cell Disease and NCDs demands a coordinated, community-led approach.
To extend these services to the grassroots, Dr. Aceng also launched citizen-led community task forces that will work with Community Health Workers (CHWs) to mobilize, screen, and refer people for care at the community level.
These teams including students, religious and cultural leaders will raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and support early detection to reduce long-term complications.
“When we have every Ugandan screened, it will ease the burden of sickle cell and NCDs. We want to resonate with the entire population through community health workers. It will be a gift to Ugandans but also reduce the suffering of people living with sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Aceng.
The event, held at Lira Mayor’s Gardens, drew Lira city leaders, health experts, and development partners, who applauded the Ministry’s efforts to bring specialized health services closer to communities.
Dr. Aceng reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening wellness infrastructure, improving public awareness, and building a resilient health system capable of addressing both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
