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In the dynamic of expanding the community campaign against sickle cell disease, the Écho Santé UNIGOM program, with the support of the Provincial Health Division of North Kivu and the National Program for the Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease, organized an awareness session on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the CBCA Virunga Parish in Goma.

This activity, integrated into the youth worship service, is part of the ongoing actions taken by the University of Goma to promote public health and prevent genetic diseases within the community.

Raising Awareness Beyond the University Framework

The main objective of this initiative was to educate young people about the prevention of sickle cell disease while promoting solidarity towards those living with this chronic illness. The awareness campaign also aimed to combat stigma by reminding that sickle cell disease is neither a curse nor the result of mystical practices, but rather a genetic and hereditary condition.

Through a message inspired by the biblical verse "My people perish for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6), the speakers emphasized the importance of access to scientific information to protect present and future generations from the transmission of the disease.

A Participatory Approach Tailored to Young Audiences

The awareness campaign took place in two complementary phases. A first mass awareness session was organized during the youth worship service, followed by discussions in interactive focus groups after the celebration.

These exchanges were conducted in French and Swahili to ensure better understanding of the message, particularly regarding the genetic nature of SS anemia, commonly referred to as "Magonjwa yaku kauka damu". The speakers particularly stressed the importance of systematic screening through hemoglobin electrophoresis, especially in the context of premarital examinations, to prevent high-risk unions.

During the awareness session, testimonies and experience sharing also facilitated an open dialogue among the young participants, reinforcing the human and social dimension of the awareness campaign.

A Strengthened Commitment from Youth for Prevention

At the end of the session, the participating Christian youth expressed their willingness to actively engage in the fight against sickle cell disease. Additionally, several recommendations were made, including advocacy for the free and systematic screening of hemoglobin electrophoresis at birth and before marriage, as well as improving the holistic care of individuals living with this disease.

Participants also committed to contributing to community awareness by breaking taboos and relaying prevention messages, including: "Talking about it is already acting", "I get screened to protect my descendants", and "Let’s inform ourselves, let’s get screened, let’s protect our children and our future".

UNIGOM, a Committed Actor in Service of the Community

By extending its awareness actions to religious communities, the University of Goma confirms its role as a committed social actor in promoting community well-being. Through the Écho Santé program, the institution contributes to strengthening the dissemination of reliable information and encouraging the adoption of responsible behaviors in the face of major public health challenges.

This initiative illustrates UNIGOM's willingness to mobilize all components of society, including religious communities, to build an informed, supportive, and engaged youth in the prevention of sickle cell disease.