Uganda Achieves Milestone with First Local Bone Marrow Transplant

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) discharged Stephen Sande, its inaugural bone marrow transplant patient, after treating him for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng oversaw the ceremony at UCI Mulago, confirming the procedure was conducted solely by Ugandan experts led by Dr. Clement Okello and Dr. Henry Ddungu. This autologous stem cell transplant used Sande’s own cells.

The team was multidisciplinary, featuring doctors, pharmacists, lab scientists, nurses, a nutritionist, radiation oncologist, biomedical engineer, cleaners, and an economist, highlighting the procedure’s complexity.

Dr. Aceng hailed it as the dawn of a new era, ending the need for costly overseas treatment that strained patients financially and emotionally.

Sande, from Namayingo District, endured 22 days in isolation post-transplant. He expressed deep gratitude, noting UCI covered his costs, and looks forward to recovery with renewed vaccinations as immunity rebuilds.

Dr. Okello detailed the process: rigorous fitness tests, stem cell growth and harvest, high-dose chemotherapy to eliminate diseased cells, followed by reinfusion on ‘day zero.’ Sande’s hair loss signaled readiness.

At around $15,000, the treatment is far cheaper than the $50,000 abroad, per Dr. Ddungu. UCI funded Sande’s case, aiming to curb medical tourism and build capacity for conditions like sickle cell disease, though more staff and space are needed.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)