Mwanza Changala is a passionate sickle cell disease (SCD) advocate, author, and co-founder of two initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by SCD. Her journey into advocacy is deeply personal, shaped by her experience as a mother of children living with sickle cell disease.
Mwanza’s understanding of SCD began through a difficult and emotional journey. Her two children were initially misdiagnosed, with her daughter even undergoing surgery that yielded no answers, and her son receiving multiple blood transfusions without a clear diagnosis. It was only when her son was five and her daughter three that both were correctly diagnosed with SCD in the same year. This moment was life-changing. Confronted with fear, uncertainty, and the many misconceptions she once held about the condition, Mwanza made a decision that would define her path—she chose to become a voice for others facing similar challenges.
Driven by her experience and her community’s needs, Mwanza began advocating for better healthcare services, increased awareness, and compassionate support systems for families affected by SCD. She created a WhatsApp support group that has grown into a safe, judgment-free space where individuals and caregivers can share their experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement.