Improving research on Sickle Cell Disease and related health issues in Uganda.
Official title: Enhancing Research capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and related NCDs across the Lifespan in Uganda. ''Enrich Project''
Funded at Makerere University College of Health Sciences · NIH-11032041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping kids in Uganda who have Sickle Cell Disease by training a team of researchers to learn more about how it affects their health and finding better ways to support them.
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 | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $245,057 |
| NIH project number | 5D43TW012466-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, particularly children and adults living in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Sickle Cell Disease residing outside of Uganda or those without access to the healthcare system in Uganda may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the capacity to study Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda, where SCD significantly impacts children's health. The project aims to train a multidisciplinary team of researchers to better understand and address the health challenges associated with SCD, including its effects on the brain, kidneys, and overall quality of life. By building local research expertise, the project seeks to develop effective interventions and improve health outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Uganda.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing health outcomes for Sickle Cell Disease patients through improved local research capacity, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Kampala, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiguli, Sarah — Makerere University College of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kiguli, Sarah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
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Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
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Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
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How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.