Transforming access, strengthening families, and improving lives for people affected by sickle cell disease.
The Securing Health, Impowering Lives Project was funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and implemented by the Tanzania Sicklecell Warriors Organization (TASIWA) under the supervision of Baylor Tanzania.
The project aimed to improve access to healthcare, strengthen the economic capacity of parents and caregivers, and enhance the quality of life of children living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Ilemela and Nyamagana districts, Mwanza Region, Tanzania.
Through collaboration with healthcare providers, community health workers, parents, and caregivers, TASIWA worked to address barriers to healthcare access and strengthen support systems for families affected by sickle cell disease.
450 reached so far — 100% of target.
More than 400 children living with sickle cell disease have been supported to access health insurance, helping reduce financial barriers to essential healthcare services.
More than 300 parents and caregivers have been reached and empowered through activities designed to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and capacity to support their children and improve family well-being.
37 Community Health Workers (CHWs) have been reached and strengthened to support community-level awareness, engagement, and linkage to appropriate sickle cell services.
23 healthcare workers have received education and capacity building on sickle cell disease management, contributing to improved understanding and delivery of appropriate care for people living with SCD.
These achievements reflect TASIWA's commitment to ensuring that children living with sickle cell disease and their families are not left behind.
By combining access to health insurance, caregiver empowerment, community engagement, and healthcare worker capacity building, the project has contributed to strengthening the support system around children and families affected by sickle cell disease.
Securing Health, Empowering Lives — transforming access, strengthening families, and improving lives for people affected by sickle cell disease.
EventThe project also empowered more than 400 parents and caregivers through entrepreneurship education and economic groups to strengthen their financial resilience and help sustain their children’s access to healthcare.
Read moreA 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.
