Tanzania Sicklecell Warriors Organisation (TASIWA)
We empower communities through education, challenge stigma and stand alongside individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, extending our commitment from Mwanza to communities across Tanzania.
Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and the world better than you found it.
— Marian Wright Edelman, a guiding idea behind our workWho we are
The Tanzania Sicklecell Warriors Organization (TASIWA) is a non-governmental organization based in Mwanza, Tanzania, established in 2016 by three inspiring women—two mothers of children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and one woman living with the disease herself. Driven by their personal experiences and a shared commitment to improving lives, the organization was officially registered in August 2019 under Tanzania’s Non-Governmental Organizations Act No. 24 of 2002, as revised in 2005, to operate across Mainland Tanzania, with its headquarters in Mwanza.
TASIWA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with Sickle Cell Disease and their families through education, public awareness, advocacy, and access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. We strive to bring hope to affected families, promote early screening and appropriate medical care, and empower individuals and communities with accurate information to make informed decisions about SCD.
Our work also focuses on providing guidance and counselling, psychosocial support, and education while challenging stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions surrounding the disease. Through collaboration with local government authorities, healthcare facilities, universities, civil society organizations, and private-sector partners, TASIWA works to build informed, inclusive, and supportive communities where people living with Sickle Cell Disease can live with dignity, access the care they need, and reach their full potential.
What we do
We promote sickle cell disease education through community dialogues, genotype testing campaigns, and Sickle Cell Clubs in schools and universities. By equipping individuals and communities with accurate knowledge, we empower informed decisions, encourage early screening, and challenge stigma and discrimination.
Learn more 02We empower individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease by improving access to healthcare services and promoting income-generating opportunities. Through economic empowerment initiatives and small business development, we help families strengthen their financial stability, sustain treatment, and improve their overall quality of life.
Learn more 03We advocate for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people living with sickle cell disease while challenging stigma and discrimination. Through partnerships with healthcare facilities and community stakeholders, we organize blood donation drives to improve access to safe blood transfusions and help save lives.
Learn moreOur Projects
Improving access to healthcare, strengthening the economic capacity of parents and caregivers, and enhancing the quality of life of children living with sickle cell disease in Ilemela and Nyamagana districts, Mwanza.
A 2021 project funded by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) that used exercise books (Daftari) as a tool to carry sickle cell messages and amplify the voice of sickle cell in the community, especially in schools.
A Kenya–Tanzania initiative strengthening early detection, access to care, community awareness and support for people affected by sickle cell disease. TASIWA implements interventions in three districts of Geita Region.
This project aimed to improve the survival and well-being of children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by increasing community awareness and understanding of proper care and disease management. It focused on educating community members, parents, and caregivers on effective care practices, early recognition of complications, and the importance of timely access to healthcare services. Through community education and awareness, the project sought to reduce misconceptions, promote informed care, and improve the quality of life for children living with SCD and their families.
SHIL Key achievements
Funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation · Implemented by TASIWA · Supervised by Baylor Tanzania
Where we work & how we measure
Our projects reach families in Mwanza, as well as three districts in the Geita Region, through initiatives that improve access to sickle cell disease education, screening, and healthcare. We also contribute to a cross-border Kenya–Tanzania initiative to strengthen sickle cell disease interventions and improve health outcomes.
Our data management system supports the collection, processing, and analysis of field information, enabling us to generate accurate, reliable, and timely reports for our partners. This strengthens accountability, supports evidence-based decision-making, and helps us track project progress and impact.
Interactive
Sickle cell disease is inherited. Pick each parent's genotype to see the chance for every pregnancy.
AA — normal AS — carrier (trait) SS — sickle cell disease
This tool is for education only. Talk to a health worker about genetic counselling. Learn more about SCD →
From the field
Update
The meeting highlighted key achievements in early screening and diagnosis, healthcare capacity building, community awareness, and access to healthcare services for children living with sickle cell disease in Geita Region, while strengthening cross-border collaboration to improve the quality of SCD care.
Read the storyMyth vs fact
Tap a card to reveal the truth.
Call for Partnerships
We have reached a significant number of communities across the Mwanza Region, making meaningful progress in the fight against sickle cell disease. To expand our impact and reach every region of Tanzania, we collaborate with government institutions, healthcare facilities, civil society organizations, and individuals. We welcome more partners to join us in advancing awareness, improving access to care, and working towards a sickle cell-free generation in Tanzania.
Partner with usMake a one-time or monthly donation through mobile money or bank transfer to support sickle cell screening, counselling, and care for individuals and families across Tanzania. Every contribution makes a difference.
