Raising Hope International Friends (RHIF) is an indigenous Civil Society, a Non Profit Organization based in Kampala Central Uganda. RHIF is one of the leading Sickle Cell Awareness Advocates in Uganda and renown in addressing and articulating issues regarding sickle cell disease. In response to this high prevalence of sickle cell disease, RHIF was established to raise awareness and educate the public on sickle cell disease (SCD).
RHIF supports and contributes immensely to improve quality of life of individuals living with sickle cell disease across the country. RHIF continues to advance care and treatment through research and advocacy. RHIF also liaises with community agencies and stakeholders to bring more awareness of this disease.
By 2025, Sickle Cell Awareness by RHIF would have educated over 2,000,000 people, screened 100,000 and served 3,500 patients and families with sickle cell disease in Uganda ensuring that they have access to comprehensive care and treatment as well as tangible interest in research initiatives consistent with other chronic diseases.
For the last 2 years with support from Stabex International, RHIF has sensitized over 30,000 people directly and indirectly by conducting medical outreaches and use of main media and social media platforms. RHIF managed to screen/test 1,259 people, registered 206 sickle cell carriers/traits and 105 sickle cell victims from different medical outreaches. In 2018 we had 3 medical outreaches and we covered KCCA Kisugu Hospital, Hoima and Nansana Municipalities. In 2019, we had 3 medical outreaches covering Mityana, Wakiso and Mbale districts.
Stabex International facilitated RHIF to carry out public awareness on SCD among health care professionals concerning the needs and experience of families living with sickle cell disease.
We also facilitated RHIF to engage individuals and families living with sickle cell disease in planning and implementation of preventative strategies required to optimize care.
