Not every day does the SCD community witness a moment like this!
Uganda officially commissioned the country’s first Hydroxyurea manufacturing plant at Quality Chemical Industries Limited by the Ministry of Health – Uganda is a great step in the right direction to improve the lives of Sickle Cell Warriors across the country.
For many Warriors, treatment is financially overwhelming and hard to access but local production of Hydroxyurea means life-saving medication will be easily accessible and affordable.
We were also proud to see one of our Warriors, Diana, share her lived experience during the event.
“Living with SCD has never been easy. There were days filled with pain and endless hospital visits. I’m grateful to be a part of the Warriors’ community at Raremark Foundation that has empowered me to use my story to educate others,” Diana Lindrio reflects.
Her story resonated deeply with the audience and earned a standing ovation, a powerful reminder that behind every policy discussion are real people and real journeys.
“I’ve seen remarkable results through campaigns like Raremark’s Know Your Type. Much as I live with Sickle Cell, many of my family didn’t know their genotypes until I started to speak up about it.” says Diana Lindrio
As conversations around SCD gain traction across the continent, moments like this give hope that stronger healthcare systems and sustained, long-term action are within reach.
“With the right support, it’s possible to live a full life and I am a testimony to that. I stand as a 26-year-old woman with a job, living independently, and still choosing to dream beyond my condition,” said Diana Lindrio