Over 30 Community Health Workers Trained to Boost Newborn Screening in Lira City
By Our Reporter
LIRA CITY — More than 30 Community Health Workers have undergone intensive training in a renewed effort to strengthen newborn screening systems and improve referral linkages for sickle cell disease in Lira City.
The training, which focused on enhancing community awareness, early detection, and family support systems, is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing gaps in the management of sickle cell disease at the grassroots level. Health experts say such interventions are critical in ensuring timely diagnosis and care for affected newborns.
The programme was implemented with support from the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa for Sickle Cell Disease (CONSA), highlighting a growing regional commitment to advancing early diagnosis and comprehensive care for the condition.
Held at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, the training brought together key stakeholders in the health sector and was officiated by the Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Odur. His presence, alongside other health leaders, underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in tackling sickle cell disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Speaking during the training, Daniel Roy Odur, Executive Director of the Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative, described the session as a “high-impact refresher” designed to equip Community Health Workers with updated knowledge and practical skills.
He emphasized the vital role played by Community Health Workers, describing them as the backbone of the healthcare system. “They are central to early detection, continuous care, and community-based support for individuals living with sickle cell disease,” he said.
Odur added that empowering frontline health workers with the right tools and information strengthens the overall health system, particularly in underserved communities where access to specialized care remains limited.
“This initiative is powered by the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa for Sickle Cell Disease, in partnership with Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support, reflecting our shared commitment to improving outcomes and building resilient, informed communities,” he noted.
Health officials remain optimistic that such targeted trainings will significantly improve referral systems and ensure that more children born with sickle cell disease receive timely and adequate care.
