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A FUTURE FREE FROM THE BURDEN OF SICKLE CELL

Empowering warriors, educating communities, and transforming care across Northern Uganda.


About Us

Tackle Sickle Cell Africa (TSCA) is a dedicated advocacy group committed to combating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in high-burden African communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through free screenings, genetic counseling, early interventions, community education, and stigma reduction, we empower individuals and families to manage SCD effectively and prevent its inheritance.

Advocacy in Action

Empowering communities through education and care.

Our Mission

To holistically combat sickle cell disease in rural African communities by providing free screenings, expert genetic counseling, early interventions (such as hydroxyurea therapy, penicillin prophylaxis, and vaccinations), and community education to reduce stigma, prevent inheritance, and improve quality of life for affected individuals and families.

Our Vision

A sickle cell-free Africa where every child is born healthy, communities are empowered with knowledge and resources to end the cycle of inheritance, and advanced treatments like gene therapy are accessible to all, eliminating premature deaths and enabling thriving lives without the burden of pain or discrimination.

Core Values

Compassion & Empathy

Equity & Inclusion

Advocacy & Empowerment

Evidence-Based Excellence


Our Strategic Framework

TSCA Strategic Framework Chart showing lifespan approach to SCD
"TSCA envisions a future where communities living with sickle cell disease in Africa are empowered across the lifespan from preconception to older adulthood through education, comprehensive care and research."

What We Do

Capacity Building

Training communities and health workers to manage sickle cell disease.

Screening & Testing

Free sickle cell screening and confirmatory testing for early diagnosis.

Community Awareness

Educating communities to reduce stigma and prevent inheritance.

Advocacy & Policy

Integrating sickle cell into health policies and funding priorities.

Our Impact

10,000+

Individuals screened for sickle cell for free.

50+

Individuals identified and connected to care.

1M+

Individuals educated on sickle cell basics.

200+

Health care workers trained on sickle cell management.

Sickle Cell FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

SCD is an inherited blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid, sticky, and crescent-shaped due to abnormal hemoglobin (HbS). These cells block blood flow, break down early, and cause anemia and pain.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include chronic anemia, pain crises, swelling in hands/feet, frequent infections, delayed growth, jaundice, and organ damage.

How is SCD inherited?

It follows an autosomal recessive pattern: a child must inherit two sickle genes (SS). Carriers (AS) have one normal and one sickle gene. Each pregnancy has a 25% chance of SCD, 50% chance of trait, and 25% chance of normal.

Can SCD be cured?

The only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant, most successful in children with a matched donor. Gene therapy (e.g., CRISPR-based treatments like Casgevy) has recently been approved in some countries.

How is SCD managed?

Management includes hydroxyurea, pain management, antibiotics, blood transfusions, folic acid, vaccinations, and newer drugs like L-glutamine and crizanlizumab.

Who is mainly affected?

SCD affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and South/Central American descent. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden, with 300,000+ babies born annually and high under-5 mortality.


Our Story on Film

FEATURED DOCUMENTARY: A WARRIOR'S JOURNEY

Watch our in-depth documentary showcasing the daily challenges faced by sickle cell warriors and the transformative impact of TSCA's programs in Northern Uganda.


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