Creating a system to improve sickle cell disease screening for infants in Uganda.
Official title: Development and Evaluation of an Information Management and Communication System for Population-wide Point-of-Care Infant Sickle Cell Disease Screening.
Funded at Makerere University College of Health Sciences · NIH-11084364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smartphone app that helps doctors in Uganda screen babies for sickle cell disease more easily and effectively, making sure all children get the care they need, no matter where they live.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Makerere University College of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kampala, Uganda) |
| Project start | August 16, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,833 |
| NIH project number | 5R33TW011898-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children in Uganda who are at risk for sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Uganda or those who are not infants or young children may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and evaluate a digital information management and communication system specifically designed for point-of-care screening of sickle cell disease (SCD) in infants. By utilizing a custom smartphone application, the project seeks to enhance the coordination and accessibility of SCD screening across health centers in both urban and rural areas of Uganda. The approach involves testing the app's effectiveness in facilitating universal screening and improving clinical outcomes for affected children. The study will also assess how this system can standardize the use of affordable screening assays in the region.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and management of sickle cell disease in infants, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing digital health solutions for disease screening, indicating potential for this approach to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Kampala, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sewankambo, Nelson K — Makerere University College of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sewankambo, Nelson K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.