The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), in collaboration with the NCDI Poverty Network and the Sonia Nabeta Foundation (SNF), successfully concluded the landmark #CampTuliBonse2025, held from 18 to 22 August in Zambia.

The camp brought together young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) for five days of learning, mental health support, and peer bonding.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Gene Bukhman, Co-Chair of the NCDI Poverty Network Steering Committee, cardiologist, and cultural anthropologist by training, described the initiative as a milestone in advancing care and community support for children and young adults living with severe and chronic conditions.

“It is amazing to be here, such a short time after Zambia adopted the PEN-Plus strategy, and to see how far the country has come,” he said.

Dr Bukhman explained that the camp demonstrated what is possible when care extends beyond the clinic into the community. He added that the PEN-Plus strategy, a package of essential interventions for severe, chronic non-communicable diseases such as T1D, SCD, and rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, was adopted by the World Health Organization Africa Region in 2022 and rolled out in Zambia shortly thereafter.

“With CIDRZ’s leadership, Zambia has gone beyond the initial target of two training centres by establishing three facilities, now serving hundreds of patients. This progress was further boosted by the government’s approval of a national scale-up plan for PEN-Plus, alongside new commitments from partners such as the Scottish government to expand services across the Copperbelt and Eastern provinces,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Fastone Goma, PEN-Plus Program Principal Investigator, said camps such as #CampTuliBonse2025 are critical because they help young people learn from one another, gain confidence that they are not alone, and prove that they can live fulfilling lives despite their conditions.

He explained that the camp created a safe space for participants to share experiences, address stigma, learn disease management skills, and build resilience as “warriors.”

“The young people saw themselves in each other’s struggles, whether sickle cell or Type 1 diabetes, and transformed these challenges into strength, caring for one another and forming a united movement for change,” he said.

Constance Chanda, 27, who lives with diabetes, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This is my second time attending the camp, and I am happy. I have learnt that it is important always to stay positive and live life how I want, no matter what my condition.”

She urged anyone newly diagnosed with diabetes to understand that it is not easy, with many ups and downs, but always to remain positive and face each challenge as it comes.

Esnart Banda, 21, a Sickle Cell Warrior, encouraged others living with the condition to accept themselves and not lose hope, emphasising that they can live a full life and still achieve their dreams.

The camp concluded with a lively talent show, where participants showcased what they had learned through dancing, skits, and creative performances, celebrating their skills, confidence, and friendships.

As the first multi-condition camp on the continent, CampTuliBonse2025 has set a precedent for how community-driven support, medical innovation, and cross-country collaboration can transform the lives of young people living with chronic illnesses.