Zambia Sickle Cell Anaemia Society - ZSCAS

What was that one pointer that led to your or your child's diagnosis with Sickle Cell Anemia/Disease?👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿

Did you know Some practices we carry out at home in the name of finding a solution for our warriors aren't safe?

E.g. Most of the concoctions we mix at home are triggers to some painful crises!

The red cell stories box awaits you.
Please share your stories, questions and concerns with us.

What's your relationship like with DOTI/ ILOBA/ CLAY?

Dear SCD Warrior Community… can we pause, reflect, and unlearn this small habit before it grows into a serious health problem- eating dirt, soil or clay locally called Doti or iloba....

This message includes me too.

For those who may be wondering what this is about: many of us in the sickle cell community experience a strong urge to eat non-food substances such as soil (commonly known as doti), paper, sponge, or even mattress foam. This condition is known as Pica.

It’s important to understand that this is not simply a “bad habit” or a matter of choice. While it can be managed, in many cases it is linked to underlying medical conditions....particularly nutritional deficiencies. For individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease, pica is often associated with low iron levels or anemia, which are common due to the body’s increased demand for red blood cells.

Let’s also demystify a harmful myth:📌

Pica is not a form of demonic possession or a spiritual attack requiring deliverance. It is a medical and nutritional issue. When the body lacks essential nutrients like iron and Zinc, it can trigger unusual cravings as a signal that something is missing internally.

⚠️ Why is it a concern⁉️

Engaging in pica can lead to:
•Infections (especially from soil or contaminated substances)
•Intestinal blockages or digestive problems
•Worsening anemia
•Exposure to harmful chemicals or parasites

💡 What then can help?⁉️
•Seek medical guidance: Get your iron levels and overall blood count checked regularly.
•Follow prescribed supplements: Only take iron or other supplements if recommended by a healthcare professional I.e the daily intake of folic acid.
•Maintain a balanced diet: Include iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals, and lean proteins.
•Stay hydrated: Sometimes cravings can intensify when the body is dehydrated.
•Find safe alternatives: Chewing sugar-free gum or healthy snacks may help manage the urge.
•Talk about it: There is no shame.....sharing helps normalize the conversation and encourages support.

Let’s continue to learn, unlearn, and support one another. What feels like a “small habit” can become a trigger of other health complications if ignored - but together, we can take control of our health with the right knowledge and care.

Let's maintain our healthy lifestyle always by excluding Iloba/ Doti.

From our Red Cell Stories Box:

📮Dear ZSCAS,

We have just discovered my fiancé and I are both Sickle Cell traits. We are trying to convince our families to allow us to proceed with the marriage scheduled to take place in 2 months but parents have made it clear it can't happen! My parents keep saying love is not enough compared to to the future we want to sign up for if we proceed with this marriage. We are both confused.....

Please ask your community to help us understand this predicament we are in by sharing their views and if anyone has been through this; to please share how they solved it before we conclude on what's next. My fiancé and I will follow the comments keenly....

Introducing: The Red Cell Stories Box 📮

Not every story is easy to tell… but every story deserves to be heard.

We’re creating a safe space for individuals and families affected by sickle cell to share their real experiences - the pain, the strength, the questions, and the victories.

Whether you’re ready to speak openly or prefer to stay private, our Red Cell Stories box is always open for you. Your story can be shared anonymously, with care and respect via our messages feature.

By speaking up, you’re not just healing - you’re helping someone else feel seen, understood, and less alone.

📩 Send us your story.

💬 Let your voice be part of the change.

Red Cell Stories Box - "Where courage meets community."

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Mandla Nxumalo, Philip Mukonde, Lauren Siazyondo, Flo Rence, Raphael Chonto

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Emeldah Phiri, Jūñ Īør, Kaziah Kabwe, Malichi K Christabel, Esther Mwanangombe Kakenenwa, Kazembele Mulenga, Hopè Poñga, Melesiana C Kamz, Isaac Mwakilasa

Please feel at home.

ZSCAS joins Africa in congratulating Tanzania on the successful launch of the special lancet haematology commission whose aim is to:
A big congratulations to Tanzania, great strides been made right here.

Bwacha nelelo, mwashibukenipo mukwai?
Mwaiseni mu mweshi wachikungulu-pepeo!

To all the advocates we are on....please him and learn

For the registration and log in please refer to the earlier post shared.

Kani mwabuka shani mwebo ba walia neba bafyashi bonse ne fibusa fyesu fyonse?
&SCD