Zambian Network for Sickle Cell Amplified Voices and Advocacy

17/06/2026

18/03/2026

Agnes MN Agnes Nsofwa

This month end, I'm supporting another group to invest in small business ideas. Today I would like to highlight Maureen Malama, a sickle cell warrior based in Lusaka.

Ms. Mambwe’s business involves selling dry kapenta and second-hand UK duvets to households, schools, and offices. With a K2,000 loan, stock will be purchased and marketed through social media and direct selling. Profits from sales will enable a monthly repayment of K200 while supporting financial stability, growth, and improved living conditions.

Profits generated will be reinvested to increase stock volume and expand trading operations to additional markets.

The goal is to repay the loan within six months while maintaining sufficient working capital to continue and expand operations.

If you would like to be considered at the end of this month, fill in this application form including your idea and how you intend to help someone in 6 months.

https://forms.gle/EtavqqXryZtHbA6QA

15/03/2026

Love Is Beautiful, But Knowing Your Genotype Matters.

Falling in love is one of the most natural and beautiful parts of life. Love does not ask for genotype before it begins. People connect through emotions, shared dreams, and companionship.

At Badanamu Sickle Cell Foundation, we understand that love is powerful. Our message about genotype awareness is not against love or relationships. It is about helping couples make informed decisions for the future of their children.

Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic condition that can be passed from parents to children. When two people with incompatible genotypes have children, there is a higher chance the child may be born with the condition.

Many warriors living with sickle cell know how painful crises can be, the hospital visits, the physical pain, and the emotional challenges. No parent intentionally wants their child to go through that kind of suffering.

This is why knowing your genotype before marriage or before starting a family is very important.

Genotype awareness does not mean people cannot love each other. It simply helps couples understand their options and plan responsibly for the future.

Today, there are several options available for couples who still want to build a family, including:
• genetic counseling
• assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF with genetic screening
• adoption
• donor s***m or donor egg options

📌These options can be expensive or difficult for some families, which is why early awareness is so important.

Nigeria carries one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease in the world, and education is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce preventable cases.

Love is important.
But protecting the future of our children is equally important.

Let us continue spreading awareness so the next generation can live healthier lives.

— Badanamu Sickle Cell Foundation

15/03/2026

Good morning Warriors and Happy Weekend from here.

Please follow our page for more educational tips.

Let's look at Why Infections Can Be More Dangerous for People Living with Sickle Cell.

Many people do not realize that infections can be more serious for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.

One of the reasons is related to an important organ in the body called the spleen. The spleen helps the body fight infections by filtering bacteria from the blood and supporting the immune system. In healthy individuals, it plays a major role in protecting the body from harmful germs.

However, in people living with sickle cell disease, sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood flow to the spleen. Over time, repeated blockage can damage this organ.

When the spleen becomes weakened or stops working properly, the body may find it harder to fight certain infections.
This is why infections such as fever, bacterial illnesses, or respiratory infections can sometimes become more serious for sickle cell patients if not treated quickly.

That is also why doctors often recommend:
• early medical attention when fever appears

• routine vaccinations

• regular medical checkups

• quick treatment for infections.

Understanding this helps families and communities take infections seriously and support warriors living with sickle cell.

At Badanamu Sickle Cell Foundation, we believe education helps people recognize early warning signs and protect the health of those living with sickle cell disease.

We stand with you warriors 🙏