By Veronica Mrema
Several years ago, it was extremely rare to hear a public figure openly speak about a health challenge that had affected them personally or a member of their family.
More often than not, health issues, particularly inherited diseases, remained behind closed doors and were shrouded in silence.
Many feared being perceived as weak by society. Fame was often associated with an image of perfection and success, making discussions about illness appear as an admission of vulnerability.
Another reason was the stigma surrounding inherited diseases. In some communities, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) was associated with misconceptions such as curses, misfortune, or spiritual punishment.
As a result, many families chose to carry their pain in silence. Consequently, the disease continued to be surrounded by misinformation and misunderstanding.
Large numbers of people lacked accurate and essential information about how the disease is inherited, how it can be managed, and what measures can be be taken to prevent its complications.
Across many African societies, families affected by inherited conditions such as Sickle Cell Disease have long carried significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
At the same time, they have had to contend with misconceptions and social prejudice from the communities around them. Many preferred silence rather than openly discussing their circumstances.
Today, however, that narrative is gradually changing.
In Tanzania, several public figures living with chronic illnesses have increasingly chosen to speak openly about their experiences.
This has introduced a new dimension to the fight against diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.
In the context of this article, particular attention is given to Naseeb Abdul Juma, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz.
Diamond Platnumz has amassed millions of fans across the globe, especially among young people drawn to his music and influence.
On the night of June 22, 2026, he publicly revealed how Sickle Cell Disease had affected his family.
“In 2010, I lost my sister’s son, Othman, because of Sickle Cell Disease. When I came here and saw how much our government has invested in healthcare to save Tanzanians.
"I was truly amazed. I wished my nephew could have been here today and benefited from this opportunity. He might still be alive.”
Diamond, also known as Simba Dangote, became one of the first major East African artists with such a massive social media following to publicly share a personal family experience related to Sickle Cell Disease.
He also announced a contribution of TZS 100 million to support bone marrow transplantation treatment for children living with the disease.
His statement was not merely an expression of family grief. It carried a powerful message capable of breaking the silence that has surrounded Sickle Cell Disease in society for many years.
His disclosure has undoubtedly opened a new chapter in discussions surrounding public awareness, genetic screening, treatment, and the role of communities in combating the disease.
It has also inspired other public figures to contribute resources and support the cause.
A few days earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of WASAFI visited Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), located in central Tanzania, home to the country's administrative capital.
The visit provided him with a deeper understanding of the diagnostic and treatment services being offered by specialists at the public hospital.
BMH is currently the only hospital in Tanzania providing treatment for Sickle Cell Disease through bone marrow transplantation, a highly specialized medical intervention introduced by the Government in 2023.
According to hospital records, a total of 30 children have so far undergone the procedure and have been successfully cured of Sickle Cell Disease.
Moved by what he witnessed, Diamond Platnumz, through the institution he leads, decided to partner with BMH in a fundraising and awareness campaign aimed at supporting children whose families cannot afford the treatment.
Bone marrow transplantation in Tanzania costs approximately TZS 75 million per patient, an amount that remains beyond the reach of many families. To date, most beneficiaries have received government support.
The fundraising event brought together dozens of prominent artists, actors, comedians, musicians, fashion personalities, senior government officials, and healthcare professionals.
TANZANIA'S SCD BURDEN
Sickle Cell Disease is among the most common inherited disorders worldwide. Tanzania ranks among the five countries carrying the highest burden of the disease globally.
The number of children born with Sickle Cell Disease in Tanzania has increased from an estimated 8,000–11,000 annually more than a decade ago to approximately 11,000–14,000 births every year today.
These figures place Tanzania among the countries with the highest number of Sickle Cell births in Africa and globally.
Health experts estimate that between 15 and 23 percent of Tanzanians carry the sickle cell trait, yet many remain unaware of their genetic status.
Lack of awareness means that many individuals enter marriage or start families without understanding the likelihood of passing the disease to future generations.
For public health experts, this highlights the urgent need to invest in genetic screening, community education, and genetic counselling.
Such interventions would enable individuals planning to start families to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of their genetic status.
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE
For many years, health communication researchers have examined the impact of celebrities speaking publicly about health-related issues.
Studies published in international health communication journals show that when a celebrity discusses a particular disease publicly, public attention increases significantly.
People become more likely to seek information, ask questions, and access health services they may previously have postponed.
In communication science, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as the “celebrity health disclosure effect.”
Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory explains that people learn by observing and imitating individuals they admire or follow.
In this context, when a celebrity speaks about Sickle Cell Disease, they become more than a campaign ambassador; they become a catalyst for social change.
This is why Diamond’s testimony about losing his nephew may have a greater impact than numerous awareness posters distributed at the same time.
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
One of the major issues highlighted by the campaign is the importance of bone marrow transplantation.
For many years, Sickle Cell Disease management has focused primarily on pain relief, prevention of complications, and improving patients’ quality of life.
However, advances in medical science have demonstrated that, for some patients, bone marrow transplantation can offer the possibility of life-changing outcomes.
The challenge is that the procedure requires highly specialized expertise, sophisticated equipment, and substantial financial resources.
Its success therefore depends on collaboration among hospitals, government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and communities.
In such circumstances, fundraising initiatives and public awareness campaigns become critical in ensuring that more children have access to this potentially life-saving treatment.
THE POWER OF MEDIA
If celebrities have the power to attract public attention, the media has the power to sustain the conversation and transform it into social change.
Scientific evidence shows that health communication campaigns delivered through mass media can significantly influence public knowledge, attitudes, and health behaviours.
One systematic review examining 22 health communication studies found that media campaigns combined with other community-based interventions increased positive health behaviours by an average of 8.4 percent.
Another study conducted in Australia found that a health campaign using television, newspapers, and other communication channels increased public awareness of health services from 2.5 percent to 23.7 percent.
In addition, the number of people seeking healthcare services increased fourfold during the campaign period.
Research published in The Lancet has also demonstrated that mass media campaigns can influence healthier behaviours at the population level,
including disease screening, blood donation, cancer prevention, and utilization of healthcare services.
In Tanzania, the media has played a crucial role in public health campaigns related to vaccination, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.
Within the context of Sickle Cell Disease, the media has a unique opportunity to promote genetic screening, encourage voluntary blood donation.
Reduce stigma, and help communities understand that Sickle Cell Disease is not a curse but a manageable inherited condition.
Many media outlets in Tanzania have contributed to these efforts over the years.
However, the WASAFI initiative has elevated the conversation to a broader national platform, particularly among young audiences who make up a large share of its followers.
BEYOND CHARITY
Some may view the WASAFI campaign as simply another fundraising initiative.
However, from a public health perspective, it represents something much greater.
WASAFI has demonstrated that media institutions can be part of the solution rather than mere observers of social challenges.
The media platform, with its millions of followers, has shown how influential personalities can use their reach to advance public health causes.
It has also demonstrated that hospitals, the private sector, journalists, policymakers, and communities can work together to save lives.
At the same time, the campaign has sparked an important national conversation about the future of Sickle Cell services in Tanzania and how modern treatment technologies can be made accessible to more children in need.
It is evident that the fight against Sickle Cell Disease requires collective effort and commitment from all sectors of society.
It cannot be left solely to medical specialists.
By ensuring access to accurate information, expanding public awareness, and fostering constructive dialogue, society can significantly strengthen the fight against Sickle Cell Disease.
Breaking the cycle of silence, stigma, and misinformation will require more than medical innovation alone.
It will require influential voices, responsible media, informed communities, and sustained action. The momentum has begun; the question now is whether Tanzania can build on it to create lasting change for future generations.
Chapisha Maoni