Amid the increasingly unpredictable weather, unseasonal rains and extreme heat at odd times lies a silent crisis.
A vulnerable group is bearing the weight, not only physically, but through deep social and economic challenges.
In the past, our elders could easily to knew whether it was time for short rains or long rains, or if the sun was in its regular or peak season. They knew when the weather would shift and could plan accordingly.
Today, even with all our technological advances and sophisticated meteorological tools, we are facing intense climate changes that are disrupting global weather systems and natural ecosystems.
“It’s tough. You plant your maize and suddenly the rains stop no harvest,” says Karim Mwaituza, a resident of Kimanzichana, just outside Dar es Salaam.
According to the 2024 report by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority [TMA], the country has experienced unusual weather patterns, including extreme heat and excessive rainfall clear indicators of climate change.
This is a serious concern. A 2024 report by the World Meteorological Organization [WMO] confirms that the decade from 2015 to 2024 has recorded the fastest rise in global temperatures in history.
WMO warns that these changes threaten human life, natural environments, and economic systems. Sea levels continue to rise at alarming rates, with these changes expected to last for hundreds of years.
As ocean temperatures rise, weather systems are affected, and marine life is increasingly under threat.
... CryS
This article highlights the burden climate change places on one specific group people living with Sickle Cell Disease [SCD].
“A few months ago, we experienced heavy rains and extreme heat in Dar es Salaam, and for me, living with Sickle Cell Disease, it was overwhelming,” says Neema Mohamed.
She is one of the many young Tanzanians living with this rare blood disorder, which falls under the category of non-communicable diseases [NCDs].
Every year, an estimated 8,000 to 11,000 children in Tanzania are born with SCD, according to studies by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences [MUHAS].
Before climate change started causing major disruptions, people living with SCD could predict and prepare for weather patterns more easily.
“We used to know when it would get hot, then when the rains would come. It helped us balance our activities and avoid pain crises,” Neema explains.
“But now, it’s unpredictable. We’ve seen extreme heat that causes dehydration, which triggers severe pain.”
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?
Hematologists explain that people with SCD don’t always experience pain. Pain crises, medically known as “vaso-occlusive crises,”.
Crises are triggered by factors like extreme weather, dehydration, or low oxygen levels all of which are becoming more common due to climate change.
When exposed to intense heat or cold, or when oxygen levels drop, people with SCD may experience excruciating, unexplained pain.
M24 TANZANIA Media spoke with Dr. Emmanuel Kataga of the Sickle Cell Program at MUHAS, who offered insight into how SCD affects the body at a cellular level.
In healthy individuals, red blood cells are round and flexible, lasting around 90 days. But in someone with SCD, the red cells are shaped like sickles or half-moons and only live about 10 days.
“These irregular cells can’t move easily through small blood vessels,” Dr. Kataga explains. “They lose their flexibility, get stuck, and block blood flow.”
This blockage reduces oxygen supply to tissues, causing intense pain. The sickled cells also tend to stick together, forming clumps that worsen the blockages.
LIVING IN FEAR
Because their red blood cells die much faster, people with SCD often suffer from chronic anemia and need frequent blood transfusions.
Jarome [not his real name] tells M24 TANZANIA Media that in recent years, he’s been experiencing more frequent and intense pain episodes.
“It’s affecting my education. I miss classes and end up in hospital getting injections to manage the pain,” he says.
“I’ve been advised to stay hydrated, eat well, take my hydroxyurea medication, and sometimes I need blood transfusions.”
Neema adds that climate change makes it hard to stick to routines or participate in daily income-generating or social activities.
“When it’s too hot, just stepping outside becomes painful headaches, joint pain, dehydration. These symptoms could be avoided if the weather were more predictable,” she explains.
Another person living with SCD adds, “The unpredictability of heatwaves and rainy seasons is exhausting. It throws off our sense of balance.
"We live in a constant state of anxiety, worrying how long the heat or rain will last.”
Neema emphasizes the struggle: “At night, you might go to bed dressed for warmth, and then suddenly, the temperature drops or rain starts you wake up shivering and in pain.”
MALARIA & INFECTIONS
Another growing concern is the increase in infections, including malaria, among people with SCD.
Recent assessments show that many SCD patients are seeking medical help more frequently due to pain and severe anemia.
“In Dar es Salaam, for example, we’re seeing more patients during hot seasons especially those who don’t stay well-hydrated,” says Dr. Kataga. “Climate change is contributing to a surge in diseases.”
He explains that warmer weather accelerates the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
“This is a double threat. Malaria already targets red blood cells. Combine that with SCD where the cells die quickly and the situation becomes critical.
"Now, remember, this is a patient whose red blood cells already die prematurely. When they get malaria, the impact is much worse,” he explains.
He emphasizes that these patients become severely anemic and require frequent blood transfusions.
In the three months prior to this publication, clinics such as Mwananyamala and Amana reported a large number of patients.
“Many come with signs of infections, malaria, and low hemoglobin levels some needing blood transfusions or hospitalization.
“Quite a number come before their scheduled clinic appointments due to severe symptoms,” he explains, adding:
“Every month at Mwananyamala’s regular clinic, we receive more than 100 patients.
“Among them, about 15 report pain crises, and some are brought in in critical condition.”
BLOOD TRANSFUSION
People living with Sickle Cell Disease are among the highest in need of blood transfusions, as they frequently become anemic and require urgent replenishment.
Neema, Executive Director of the Bone and Blood Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to educating the public on sickle cell disease.
Also advocating for blood donation, notes a significant rise in demand. She explain “In 2021 when we started, we knew that between January and March there’s usually a blood shortage.
“This is because, in December, many people are on holiday and don’t donate blood. Also, students who are among the main donors are on school break.
“[So] a blood shortage during that time is known,” she says. But now, the situation is different. The challenge at the blood bank has tripled, with rising demand.
She attributes this to the impact of climate change there are fewer donors, yet more patients in need.
“Due to changing weather patterns, even donors face challenges. Some are not healthy enough to donate due to dehydration, for example.
“There’s been a significant increase in patients needing blood. I receive so many calls over the past three months,
".., the situation has been overwhelming, not only for SCD patients but also those with other medical conditions,” she notes.
REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES
The issue of climate change and its impact on Sickle Cell patients also affects Mkami Wanyancha.
She is a pharmacy student at Noble College living in Tabata, who shares a home with a friend battling the disease.
“There are serious challenges when the heat intensifies, he loses fluids and experiences severe pain.
“I always advise him to drink enough water and avoid unnecessary trips. In cold seasons, I urge him to wear warm clothing to prevent complications like numbness,” she explains.
Dr. Emmanuel adds, “When the heatwave hit, patients complained of extreme pain. We provide ‘hydroxyurea’ which helps boost hemoglobin levels in Sickle Cell patients.
“It works better for those who use it than for those who don’t. We also encourage proper hydration, even when they don’t feel thirsty it helps a lot.”
He also urges people who are not yet in relationships or married to get their genetic profiles tested early.
“We know this is an inherited condition. Tanzania ranks fifth in the world among countries with the highest number of Sickle Cell patients.
“We’re not in a good position. So let’s prevent more cases by encouraging early testing, especially for couples planning to have children. Antenatal clinics should incorporate genetic screening,” he advises.
Mkami also urges communities to take environmental conservation seriously to prevent further climate-related health complications.
“Environmental destruction harms the ozone layer, which leads to extreme heat, contributing to many health risks—including to Sickle Cell patients.”
Chapisha Maoni