Kataika Hajira and her husband Ibrahim Toyasingura are seeking public support to raise 200 million Uganda shillings for a bone marrow transplant for their four-year-old daughter, Laylah Mbabazi, who has been battling sickle cell disease since she was an infant.
Laila was diagnosed at just four months old after a medical emergency that revealed the severe genetic disorder. The parents, sharing their emotional journey, revealed how Laylah’s health has worsened in the past year, with frequent hospital admissions and infections despite being on medication.
Laylah, once able to manage her condition with medication, now faces life-threatening health crises every six weeks, sometimes requiring blood transfusions.
Doctors have advised the family to pursue a bone marrow transplant, which can only be performed outside the country. They have been referred to a team in India where the procedure will cost UGX 200 million shillings.
Laylah’s father, Ibrahim, expressed how the family’s life has been drastically impacted, both emotionally and financially, since the diagnosis. “We’ve been married 10 years, and Laila is our firstborn. We are devastated that she cannot live a normal life. Every day is a challenge,” he said, urging the public for support.
The family has reached out to the public for help, with a goal of raising the required amount for Laylah’s treatment in India.
Hajira Kataika, Laylah’s mother, emphasized the need for support, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. “No amount is too small. We ask for your prayers and contributions to help us save Laila’s life,” she said.
As Laylah continues to miss school and face frequent hospital admissions, her parents remain hopeful that with public generosity, their daughter will have a chance at a healthier future. They also stressed the importance of testing for sickle cell traits before marriage, encouraging other families to learn from their experience.
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Last Saturday, Hajira & Ibrahim joined the sensitization campaign against sickle cell in Lira. The Uhuru sickle cell run was organized by Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative in collaboration with Lira City Elites Club to heighten awareness and raise funds to purchase sickle cell screening Machines.
It’s believed that Uganda has the fifth highest sickle cell burden in Africa with 13.3% of children having sickle cell trait. Currently Alebtong district is leading with the highest prevalence of 23%. -Ends-
