For too long, sickle cell disease has been described as a “silent crisis.” Despite affecting millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa, it has often been neglected in health policies and budgets. Advocacy changes that reality by making the invisible visible.

We believe that those most affected by sickle cell disease—patients and their families—should be at the center of shaping solutions. Their voices inform our campaigns, drive awareness, and challenge stigma. Community outreach in schools, faith institutions, and villages helps dispel myths and replace them with understanding.

On a national level, we advocate for policy reforms that make a tangible difference: newborn screening programmes, subsidized access to essential medicines, integration of sickle cell into universal health coverage, and sustainable financing for care and research. The evidence is clear—studies in Tanzania and other African countries show that simple interventions such as penicillin, malaria prevention, blood safety, and hydroxyurea can dramatically improve survival. Advocacy ensures these proven tools are adopted at scale.

We also work with policymakers, donors, and the media to amplify the urgency of investing in sickle cell disease. Data from the Muhimbili cohort provides a strong foundation to back our calls for change, demonstrating both the burden of disease and the opportunities for impact.

👉 Call to Action: Stand with us. Become an advocate and help shape the future of sickle cell care in Tanzania.