President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni marked a significant milestone by inaugurating Uganda’s inaugural bone marrow transplant center at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) during its 30th-anniversary commemoration.
The event, which took place on October 27, 2023, also featured the laying of the foundation stone and the endorsement of plans for a cutting-edge cell and gene therapy facility at JCRC’s headquarters, situated in Lubowa, Wakiso district.
In his address, President Museveni commended JCRC for reaching this momentous achievement in introducing bone marrow transplant services in Uganda and for three decades of dedicated service.
He expressed his confidence that the introduction of this medical advancement would lead to more affordable healthcare options within the country, diminishing the need for patients to seek such treatments abroad.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of gene therapy in medical advancements, comparing it to the selective breeding practices used by cattle keepers. He conveyed his commitment to enlightening religious leaders about the benefits of biotechnology and genetic engineering.
A bone marrow transplant involves the infusion of healthy blood-forming stem cells to replace damaged or diseased ones, performed by a team of specialized surgeons and medical professionals. Notably, similar procedures are already underway in other parts of the greater East African region, including Tanzania.
Gene therapy, another promising medical avenue, aims to modify genes within the body to treat or prevent diseases. President Museveni urged local scientists to engage in research and vaccine development to combat current health challenges actively, stressing the importance of self-reliance and scientific progress.
The President also acknowledged the valuable contributions of partners, such as Dr. Manfred Dietrich, USAID, PEPFAR, and CDC, in promoting research and clinical development in collaboration with JCRC.
In recognition of their exceptional service, President Museveni awarded former JCRC board chairpersons, including prominent figures like the Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Dr. Stephen Kavuma, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, Justice Epelu Opio, and Mr. Ben Luwum.
Hon. Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, highlighted the critical role JCRC played in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, emphasizing the institution’s significant contribution to public health improvements. She lauded the government’s efforts in increasing life expectancy and achieving high levels of viral suppression among individuals living with HIV.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of JCRC’s role in the final phase of ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030, especially in light of Uganda’s youthful population facing unique healthcare challenges.
Prof. Charles Ibingira, Chairman of the JCRC Board of Governors, praised President Museveni’s visionary leadership in addressing the HIV crisis and establishing JCRC, which has since made a profound impact on the healthcare landscape in Uganda, ultimately transforming countless lives.