Sustaining Warriors
FSFU provides health-related support to children living with Sickle Cell Disease through clinical care, medicine support, screening and follow-up.
Free Screening
FSFU conducts voluntary Sickle Cell screening through medical camps, school outreaches and community activities.
Home Visits
Home visits allow the team to follow up with beneficiaries, understand household circumstances and provide guidance and support.
Psychosocial Support
Building Resilience Together
Healthcare is only one part of living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Children and caregivers may experience stigma, isolation, emotional distress, family pressures and difficulties coping with the demands associated with the condition.
FSFU therefore provides psychosocial support through:
One-on-One Counselling
Children and caregivers can access counselling and guidance through the organization.
Caregiver Workshops
Caregivers meet regularly to discuss experiences and challenges related to parenting, relationships, finances and Sickle Cell Disease management.
Children's Sessions
Children participate in discussions about self-love, rights, responsibilities and life experiences, alongside recreational activities.
Currently documented programme support includes full sponsorship for five warriors and partial support for 19 vulnerable warriors
Clinical Care Health & Clinical Support
Through collaboration with Bint Medical Clinic in Kasengejje, Wakiso District, children can receive clinical support, while cases requiring additional tests or specialized care are referred to other health facilities.
Medicine Support
FSFU provides medicines to beneficiaries under clinical guidance and follow-up. Support may include medicines used in the management and prevention of complications associated with Sickle Cell Disease.
Opening Doors to Learning
FSFU believes that children living with Sickle Cell Disease should have opportunities to learn, develop and build their futures.
Education support includes:
School-fee sponsorship for highly vulnerable children
Partial school-fee support
Scholastic materials
School-related support
Sexual and reproductive health education
Menstrual health education
Sanitary-pad support
Awareness activities
Education & Stigma Elimination
From Survival To Stability
Economic vulnerability can make it difficult for families to meet healthcare, education and household needs.
FSFU's economic empowerment programme was introduced to help caregivers strengthen household resilience.
Our initiatives include:
Food security
Household vegetable gardens
Agricultural support
Financial literacy
Savings
Micro-credit
Livelihood development
Black Soldier Fly initiatives
MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME
Building Financial Resilience
FSFU introduced its Micro-Credit Programme in 2023 in response to the economic challenges experienced by families after COVID-19.
The programme started with members saving as little as UGX 5,000 per month while accessing small loans to start or strengthen income-generating activities.
The programme has grown into a platform for savings, affordable credit, financial literacy and peer support.
How It Works
1. Save for a Purpose
Members contribute regularly to a savings pool and develop a culture of financial discipline.
2. Access Loans
Members can access loans from the pooled funds to support income-generating activities and other development needs.
3. Learn Financial Management
Members receive training in budgeting, record keeping, savings and responsible borrowing.
4. Grow Together
Caregiver groups provide peer support, encouragement and shared accountability.
What the Programme Supports
Savings and loans can help families work towards:
Education
Healthcare
Small businesses
Farming
Household needs
Livelihood development
Our aim
To help families move from financial vulnerability towards greater stability, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
RESEARCH & LEARNING
Learning From the Communities We Serve
FSFU is committed to evidence-informed programming.
The organization has initiated a qualitative study titled:
“Caring for Children with Sickle Cell Disease: The Experience of Caregivers in Wakiso District (2024)”
The study seeks to document the lived experiences of caregivers of children living with Sickle Cell Disease, including gender-related challenges associated with caregiving.
The findings are intended to contribute to:
Advocacy
Programme improvement
Policy discussions
Caregiver support
Community understanding
FSFU's 4-Step Clinical Field Protocol
Identify & Screen
Advise & Educate
Support & Refer
Monitor & Advocate
Conduct community-wide sickle cell screenings to identify at-risk individuals and potential cases.
Provide immediate clinical advice and educational resources on SCD management to newly identified patients and their families.
Distribute essential care packages and facilitate referrals to specialized clinical services for ongoing treatment.
Maintain long-term follow-up, offering continuous support and advocating for patient needs within the healthcare system.
Running Programs
BLACK SOLDIER FLY PROJECT
Turning Organic Resources into Opportunity
FSFU rears Black Soldier Flies as part of its agricultural and livelihood activities.
The project supports the production and use of materials such as organic fertilizer and inputs for agricultural and poultry-related activities.
The initiative is also linked to household vegetable gardens and efforts to improve food production among participating caregivers.
AWARENESS & ADVOCACY
Creating Communities That Understand Sickle Cell Disease
Awareness is central to reducing misinformation, stigma and barriers to support. Since 2024, FSFU has conducted awareness activities in:
Schools
Communities
Higher institutions
Health facilities
Faith-based centres
Through these activities, FSFU reports reaching more than 40,000 people with information on Sickle Cell Disease prevention, management, screening and stigma reduction.
Your Support Drives Our Field Work
Every contribution directly funds vital screenings, care packages, and community education, bringing hope to families affected by Sickle Cell Disease.