Zita Nadege Foundation launches sickle cell awareness campaign in Cameroon

By AI, Created 9:01 AM UTC, June 03, 2026, /AGP/ – The Zita Nadege Foundation has launched its first major sickle cell awareness and healthcare campaign in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with partners including African Genesic Health and the Ministry of Health in Cameroon. The June initiative includes free screening for 500 people, training, counseling and longer-term patient support aimed at improving early detection and access to care.

Why it matters: - Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders globally, with a major impact across African communities. - The campaign is designed to improve awareness, early detection, access to care and support for families living with the disease. - The initiative also targets younger patients, where consistent follow-up and treatment support can shape long-term health outcomes.

What happened: - The Zita Nadege Foundation launched a community-focused sickle cell awareness initiative in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in June 2026. - The campaign marks the foundation’s first major awareness and healthcare effort since its formal establishment in February 2026. - Founder and Secretary General Barbara Bikie and Co-Founder and Acting President Markus Hofmeister signed and submitted the legal documents that created the organization. - The foundation is working with African Genesic Health, its Hospital Center CH-AGH and the Ministry of Health in Cameroon.

The details: - The June program includes community outreach, awareness campaigns, healthcare professional training, community mobilization, fitness and awareness walks, specialist consultations, post-screening counseling and public engagement efforts. - African Genesic Health’s Hospital Center CH-AGH will provide free sickle cell screening for 500 people. - The screening effort is intended to improve access to testing, support awareness of sickle cell status and speed referral for medical follow-up. - The foundation is also launching a patient support initiative with AGH and CH-AGH. - Selected families affected by sickle cell disease will receive support for essential healthcare services for 12 months. - The program will focus on helping children and younger patients maintain access to medical care, follow-up services and treatment support. - Foundation volunteers, community workers, healthcare professionals and partner organizations have already started outreach in local communities. - Early outreach has identified and registered people living with sickle cell disease, building support networks and improving access to future services. - The foundation says it is committed to advocacy, prevention, community engagement and practical healthcare support. - The foundation thanked AGH, CH-AGH, the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, healthcare professionals, volunteers, community workers, partners and supporters. - More information is available on the foundation’s website.

Between the lines: - The launch signals a shift from planning and organization-building to direct service delivery. - The mix of screening, counseling and longer-term support suggests the foundation is trying to address both immediate needs and gaps in ongoing care. - Partnering with healthcare providers and the health ministry may help the campaign reach more people and connect screening to treatment pathways.

What’s next: - The foundation will carry out its June activities across community outreach, screening and patient support. - The longer-term aim is to build stronger support systems for people affected by sickle cell disease and expand access to care over time. - The foundation is also seeking partnership opportunities, volunteer registration and support for future initiatives.