The Ministry of Health (MOH) is set to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day in Jinja, while children in Busoga suffering from the hereditary blood disorder face challenges due to shortages of hydroxyurea, a critical medication for alleviating pain and complications. Hydroxyurea was recently included in the essential medicines list, according to reports.

On June 20, 2026, the Adekunle Gold Foundation conducted its quarterly sickle cell medical outreach at the Akerele Medical Centre in Surelere, Lagos State, providing medical support to over 500 individuals living with sickle cell disease. This initiative was carried out in partnership with the Sickle Cell Advocacy & Management Initiative, coinciding with World Sickle Cell Day.

Tanzania and Algeria are moving to deepen cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, exploring technology transfer, technical expertise and investment to strengthen Tanzania's domestic production capacity. According to Daily News, the initiative followed a meeting in Algiers between the Tanzanian ambassador and Algerian officials, and aims to open opportunities for supplying medicines and medical equipment to wider African markets.

Uganda is spearheading the CONNECT-VAS project, which aims to enhance vaccine research and manufacturing across four African countries. The initiative seeks to build stronger vaccine systems and reduce reliance on imports. This was discussed during an inception meeting held in Kampala on June 11, attended by scientists, policymakers, regulators, and development partners.

A new report suggests that governments and global health donors should explore the potential of private pharmacies as a means to enhance access to care for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. This recommendation comes in light of decreasing funding for public health systems globally. The report is titled "Private Pharmacies as a Delivery Channel for HIV, TB, and Malaria Care."

Kenya's efforts to boost local drug manufacturing are facing challenges due to fiscal and tax unpredictability. Frequent policy shifts and inconsistent incentives are creating uncertainty for investors, which undermines long-term planning for pharmaceutical manufacturers aiming to expand their operations.