Cost-Benefit Analysis of Treating Sickle Cell Disease: Comparing Drug Therapy and Hospitalization in Agago and Gulu Districts, Northern Uganda

This study compares the cost-effectiveness of hydroxyurea therapy versus hospitalization for managing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Uganda’s Agago and Gulu districts. Findings show that hydroxyurea reduces hospital admissions by up to 70%, lowers mortality, and lessens transfusion needs, while costing just €200–300 annually per patient, versus €750–2,500 for hospitalization. Despite its benefits, hydroxyurea use is hampered by drug stockouts, geographic barriers, and stigma. The study calls for decentralizing SCD care, subsidizing treatment, and investing in education campaigns to overcome systemic obstacles. Scaling up hydroxyurea to 75% coverage could save Uganda €1.2M in five years, providing a clear case for preventive, cost-efficient SCD management in resource-limited settings.