By Special Reporter
Sickle Cell genetic screening and awareness have been provided to parents and caregivers whose children receive services at the Antonia Verna Rehabilitation Centre in Dar es Salaam.
The Sickle Cell Disease Patients Community of Tanzania (SCDPCT), in collaboration with Serenox Africa, visited the centre as part of activities marking World Sickle Cell Day.
The event took place on June 20, 2026, during the Save the Child Marathon organized by Antonia Verna Community, which brought together members of the community while offering health education and screening services for various health conditions.
Speaking to participants at the event, SCDPCT Communications Officer Veronica Mrema encouraged especially young people to take the initiative to know their genetic status before making decisions about starting a family.
"It is important to know your genetic status before deciding to start a family. We are providing this education so that you can better understand sickle cell disease.
With the right knowledge, we believe you will become ambassadors for change, helping to eliminate stigma and the many misconceptions that still exist in our communities about people living with sickle cell disease and the condition itself," she said.
A total of 15 people voluntarily underwent genetic screening, and the results showed that all had the normal haemoglobin genotype (AA).
Speaking to journalists at different times, parents and caregivers expressed their appreciation for receiving both the education and the screening services.
They said the session had given them a better understanding of sickle cell disease and pledged to share the knowledge with others in their communities.
"This education has helped me understand that sickle cell disease is an inherited condition and not the result of myths or superstitions, as some people believe.
Today I am leaving with knowledge I did not have before. I now understand the importance of knowing one's genetic status early, and I will encourage my relatives and friends to do the same," said one parent.
Another parent said the programme gave parents an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers directly from health professionals.
"We need more education programmes like this to reach many more communities. Many parents still have limited knowledge about sickle cell disease," the parent said.
The education provided is expected to help parents make informed decisions about the health of their children and families while strengthening efforts to prevent stigma and discrimination associated with sickle cell disease.
The parents also thanked SCDPCT and Serenox Africa for continuing to reach communities through public events, saying such initiatives make health education and screening services more accessible.
SCDPCT reaffirmed its commitment to working with different partners to expand sickle cell awareness across Tanzania, emphasizing that public awareness.
Early genetic screening, and community engagement are essential to breaking the cycle of sickle cell disease and improving the lives of people living with the condition.
Chapisha Maoni