The walk was graced by David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry) and Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospitadfcu Bank, in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital, hosted the “Hope in Motion” Walk for Sickle Cell, bringing together hundreds of Ugandans in a united call for increased awareness, screening, blood donation and stronger support for families and individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.The walk drew participation from dfcu staff, corporate leaders, healthcare professionals, caregivers, Sickle Cell warriors, volunteers and government officials, turning the streets of Kampala into a powerful show of solidarity and hope for thousands of families affected by the disease across Uganda.The initiative forms part of dfcu Bank’s ongoing sustainability and community outreach efforts as the Bank marks 62 years of impact in Uganda. It also builds on the support being extended through the dfcu – Rotary Uganda Health Camps being carried out across the country to improve access to community health services and interventions.Uganda continues to carry one of the highest Sickle Cell burdens globally, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 babies born with the condition annually. Nearly 20% of Ugandans are believed to carry the Sickle Cell trait, with prevalence remaining especially high in parts of Northern Uganda. For many families, the disease brings repeated pain crises, hospital visits, emotional strain and financial hardship.dfcu Bank’s journey in supporting the Sickle Cell community began in 2024 during the Bank’s 60th Anniversary celebrations through the “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign, a staff-led nationwide initiative focused on health, education and community outreach.The visit exposed staff to the daily realities faced by Sickle Cell warriors, caregivers and healthcare workers and sparked a deeper commitment by the Bank to support awareness and patient care initiatives.Speaking during the event, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, said the initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to improving lives and supporting communities beyond banking.“Our involvement in the Sickle Cell journey started during dfcu’s 60th Anniversary through the dfcu staff-led 60 Acts of Kindness campaign. What began as a simple outreach to the Mulago Sickle Cell wards opened our eyes to the realities many families face daily. We interacted with warriors, caregivers and health workers and realised there was need for sustained support and awareness,” she said.Mayanja added that the “Hope in Motion” Walk was organised to continue building awareness while mobilising support for improved patient care and facilities at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic.“Today, we are raising awareness, promoting Sickle Cell screening and encouraging blood donation. Our initial objective was to refurbish the sanitary facilities at the Sickle Cell Clinic in Mulago, which serves over 200 people daily. We set out to raise funding for this purpose, but generous contributions from dfcu staff have already surpassed our set goal,” she said.The Chief Walker, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, described the initiative as a meaningful intervention that continues to bring hope to families living with Sickle Cell Disease. She noted that many children living with the condition experience recurring pain crises, anaemia, infections and other life-threatening complications that affect education and place financial strain on families.She welcomed the Ministry of Health’s recent launch of mandatory newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening early diagnosis and reducing severe complications among affected children. She also emphasised the importance of sustained government support to ensure continued access to treatment for patients across the country.Also present at the walk was Hon. David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), who applauded dfcu Bank for using its anniversary celebrations to create meaningful community impact while drawing national attention to Sickle Cell Disease, which continues to affect thousands of Ugandan families across the country.“I commend dfcu Bank for stepping forward to support such an important national cause. Sickle Cell Disease continues to affect many families across Uganda, yet awareness and support remain limited. Initiatives like the ‘Hope in Motion’ Walk help bring visibility, encourage screening and mobilise communities to stand together in support of patients and caregivers. This is the kind of corporate leadership that creates lasting impact beyond business,” he said.Dr. Philip Kasirye, Consultant Paediatrician and Blood Specialist at Mulago National Referral Hospital, noted that Mulago hosts the oldest and largest Sickle Cell care centre in Uganda, established in 1968, and commended ongoing efforts to decentralise Sickle Cell care services to regional referral hospitals and district health facilities nationwide.Through the “Hope in Motion” Walk, dfcu Bank says it hopes to turn awareness into action by supporting improved healthcare facilities, increasing blood donation, encouraging early screening and strengthening support systems for Uganda’s Sickle Cell community.Below are the photos from the event; The post dfcu Leads National Call for Sickle Cell Awareness Through Hope in Motion Walk appeared first on Business Focus.