Sickle cell patients seek herbal remedies at Gulu University stall during Science Summit

Kololo: In a noteworthy convergence of traditional healing and scientific inquiry, Gulu University has garnered significant attention for its groundbreaking research on herbal treatments for sickle cell disease during the ongoing one-week Science Summit.

Over just two days, Dr. Alice Veronica Lamwaka, a clinical pharmacist and the lead investigator on the project titled “Exploring Traditional Plant-Based Remedies for Sickle Cell Conditions and Complications in Northern Uganda,” was approached by more than 20 patients eager to explore alternative therapeutic options.

Many of these individuals journeyed from distant locales across the country, driven by the hope sparked through media reports regarding Dr. Lamwaka’s participation in the summit.

Dr. Lamwaka articulated the profound socioeconomic challenges faced by many of these patients. With conventional treatments, such as hydroxyurea, costing between 2,000 to 3,000 Ugandan shilling, a significant financial burden for the low-income demographic many families have found themselves depleting their resources in pursuit of viable health solutions.

During an engaging interview, as the crowd buzzed with anticipation around the Gulu University stall, Dr. Lamwaka described a striking scene where individuals gathered, their faces a mixture of hope and desperation.

Numerous inquiries were directed toward the availability of herbal therapies, as many attendees sought relief for their own ailments or those of their children.

A poignant account from one woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, highlighted the desperation experienced as sickle cell patients; she recounted her painful decision to leave her social work position due to the relentless suffering caused by her condition.

With tears in her eyes, she pleaded, “I have tried every conventional treatment available, exhausting my finances. Please, can you assist me with any remedies you might have?”

The research initiative at Gulu University is committed to the detailed exploration of various indigenous plants known within the local community for their purported medicinal properties.

The objective is to carefully evaluate these plants, isolate the ten most promising candidates, and eventually develop them into standardized therapeutic formulations capable of alleviating the symptoms associated with sickle cell disease.

On October 19, 2024, the Ugandan government formally endorsed this innovative research endeavor by allocating 330 million Ugandan shillings through the Science, Technology, and Innovation program.

Nonetheless, Dr. Lamwaka emphasized that this funding pool is merely a fraction of what is needed, amounting to billions of shillings to bring the project to fruition by its anticipated completion date in November 2026.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health provide a sobering backdrop to the urgency of this research, revealing a sickle cell prevalence rate of approximately 13.3% in the Acholi sub-region.

Alarmingly, it is reported that 33000 infants are born with sickle cell traits, with 80% of these children not surviving beyond the age of five.

To combat this public health crisis, Gulu University has established a living gene bank that not only preserves these valuable plants but also cultivates them for future therapeutic use.

Dr. Lamwaka acknowledged that while these herbal medicines remain in the preliminary stages of research and development, some patients in dire circumstances have begun receiving the treatments in their natural forms.

Reports of health improvements have surfaced, including testimonials from individuals such as the parent of Elon Agumemwe, a patient from Kampala who shared that his son’s health has stabilized significantly since he began utilizing the herbal remedy two months ago.

Moreover, Dr. Lamwaka has witnessed a growing interest from sickle cell patients across East and West Africa, many of whom are reaching out after hearing about these herbal alternatives through various media channels.

On Monday, 16 June  2025, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, launched a comprehensive clinical trial report detailing the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of herbal products for treating acute respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, part of a phase 2a open-label clinical trial.

At the launch, Minister Musenero expressed her unwavering support for the ongoing research efforts, reassuring the public that many scientists are diligently working to develop herbal solutions aimed at addressing diverse health challenges.

She also emphasized the importance of researchers safeguarding their intellectual property.

Her advice to secure copyrights before disclosing inventions to prevent opportunistic individuals from misappropriating ideas was especially poignant.

Furthermore, she urged adherence to both national and international health regulations governing pharmaceutical product development, ensuring that any medicinal offerings not only meet safety and efficacy standards but also enhance public health outcomes.

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