Tanzania is stepping up efforts to tackle sickle cell disease, with stakeholders calling for stronger public awareness, expanded treatment support and increased funding to ease the burden on patients and their families.
The call was made on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during the second day of a stakeholders’ working meeting held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in the Government City of Mtumba, Dodoma.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders involved in the fight against sickle cell disease to assess progress and review measures being implemented to strengthen prevention, awareness and access to treatment.
A major focus of the discussions was the need to reach more young people with accurate information about sickle cell disease, while ensuring that patients, particularly those from financially disadvantaged families, can access essential treatment.
Stakeholders said the cost of managing sickle cell disease remains a significant challenge for low-income households, making continued government intervention and support from development partners crucial.
They appealed to local and international donors to work with the Government in financing treatment for patients who cannot afford the cost of care.
The meeting also highlighted gaps in public understanding of sickle cell disease, with stakeholders noting that many Tanzanians still lack adequate knowledge about the condition, its management and the importance of early diagnosis.
As part of efforts to close the information gap, stakeholders agreed to broaden public education campaigns using radio, television, newspapers, social media and mobile phone messaging.
They also plan to work with influential figures and health experts to take awareness campaigns directly to schools, markets, places of worship, bus stations and other public gathering places.
The approach is intended to ensure that information reaches communities at grassroots level, particularly young people and families who may have limited access to formal health information.
Stakeholders said stronger collaboration between the Government, health professionals, development partners, communities and other actors would be essential in reducing the impact of sickle cell disease and improving the quality of life of people living with the condition.
The meeting is part of broader efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s response to sickle cell disease through prevention, public education, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment.
