New clinic launched in Western Uganda
On 13 February 2025, The Haemophilia Foundation of Uganda has unveiled a new haemophilia clinic at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, offering a sigh of relief to patients in the Western Region.
This clinic is supported by the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation (NNHF) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, in collaboration with the Haemophilia Foundation of Uganda (HFU) as part of a bigger project bringing together Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The newly established clinic, now equipped with the capacity to test for haemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, and other bleeding disorders, serves Mbarara City and its surrounding areas, including the Nakivale Refugee Settlement/Camp, which is home to over 180,000 people, 25 of whom are haemophilia patients with an estimated 180 people undiagnosed. Before this launch, patients had to endure a gruelling 10-hour return journey to the capital, Kampala, for care and diagnosis.
The launch follows extensive renovations of a previously dilapidated room, transforming it into an elegant clinic with 22 inpatient beds. The centre is now staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals, including 1 Specialised lab scientist,2 Laboratory Technologists, 4 Laboratory Technicians, 3 dentists, 28 nurses, 8 doctors, 5 physiotherapists,6 midwives, and 3 medical clinical officers. It functions as a tertiary care facility, capable of diagnosing and receiving referrals from primary facilities across the western region.
Dr Deus Twesigye, the Director of Mbarara Regional Hospital, expressed optimism that with the support from the NNHF, the hospital is on track to become a leader in haemophilia and other blood and bleeding disorder care among the 17 other referral facilities in Uganda. He emphasised the importance of this clinic in reaching many undiagnosed patients, providing much-needed support to the region. Dr Twesigye praised the HFU and the NNHF for their invaluable support. He leads a committed team of professionals, including Dr Barnabas Atwiine, a haematologist, and Robert Wagubi, the head of laboratory services, who are dedicated to the sustainability of this newly launched centre.
This launch was graced by many distinguished guests, including Professor Grace Ndeezi, Chairperson of the HFU; Agnes Kisakye, Executive Secretary of the HFU; Dr Samuel Ntambi, representative of the HFU Medical Advisory Committee; Llyord Mwaniki and Carole Gatoto from the NNHF; alongside patients, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, and other esteemed attendees.
