Sickle cell awareness takes centre stage at Masaki health expo
DAR ES SALAAM: WITH many people still unaware of their sickle cell status, a community health initiative in Dar es Salaam is encouraging residents to get tested, understand their health status and take informed steps to protect their health and that of their families.
The message will take centre stage at the Masaki Health Expo 2026, which will feature free health screenings, genetic counselling, wellness checks and access to health information and services, with sickle cell awareness forming a central focus of the initiative.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, at 6 Twiga Street, Masaki, will begin with a community Fun Run/Walk before proceeding to the Health and Wellness Expo.
The expo is being organised by Masaki Wellspring Hub (MWH) in partnership with the Ruge Mutahaba Foundation’s GenZERO Sickle Cell 2050 Project, as part of efforts to promote early testing, greater awareness and healthier lifestyles.
Sickle cell awareness takes centre stage at Masaki health expo “Our message is simple: Test. Know. Act. We want people to understand that knowing their sickle cell status can help them make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” Dr Yonazi said.
He said a recent MWH community screening found that 13.6 per cent of those tested were sickle cell carriers, with many having previously been unaware of their status.
He said the findings highlight the importance of taking health information and testing services closer to communities, particularly young people and families.
The expo will bring together more than 20 exhibitors and will feature a blood donation drive, mental health and psychosocial support, sickle cell services and a Kids’ Zone.
The event is being held during Sickle Cell Awareness Month and is intended to provide members of the public with an opportunity to access health information and selected services in one setting.
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Ruge Mutahaba Foundation CEO, Elias Tryphone, said health is one of the foundation’s key thematic areas, with sickle cell awareness forming an important part of its agenda.
“We have been advocating for greater awareness in partnership with the Ministry of Health, with a special focus on young people, early testing, prevention and healthy lifestyles for longer and healthier lives,” Tryphone said.
He said the partnership with MWH was aimed at reaching more people and encouraged other organisations and institutions to support efforts to expand sickle cell awareness.
MWH Board Chairperson, Fortunatus Ekklesiah, said the initiative was intended to go beyond a single event by bringing communities together, improving access to health information and services and encouraging people to take responsibility for knowing their health status.
The expo builds on the 2025 event, which attracted 532 attendees and 21 exhibitors, while 158 people received counselling and 81 were screened for sickle cell trait.
MWH plans to build on the initiative towards a Masaki Marathon and Health Expo in 2027, expanding the platform for health awareness, screening and community engagement.
Members of the public, health professionals, community organisations and other partners are invited to participate in the event and support efforts to expand sickle cell awareness, early testing and healthier living.
