Camp Tuli Bonse 2026 has officially begun, and the energy is already inspiring.

For children and young people living with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes, life may include extra routines, clinic visits, and daily challenges. But those challenges should never define their future, silence their dreams, or take away their confidence.

At Camp Tuli Bonse 2026, 48 warriors, adolescents, and young adults have come together in Chongwe, Zambia, from 7th to 11th August 2026 for a week filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and empowerment.

Hosted by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and the NCDI Poverty Network, in support of the Ministry of Health, the camp serves as a powerful reminder that no young person should navigate their health journey alone.

Tuli Bonse, meaning “we are together” in Bemba, is more than the camp’s name. It reflects the spirit of the experience. Here, children are encouraged to dream boldly, support one another, build confidence, and realise that they are stronger than the challenges they face.

Through games, health education, mentorship, and shared experiences, participants build confidence, learn from one another, and form friendships with peers who understand their journey.

The camp also highlights ongoing efforts to improve care for children and young people with severe chronic conditions in Zambia. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with CIDRZ, has established PEN-Plus clinics (Non-Communicable Disease clinics) in five health facilities across the country, with the plan to roll out to all district level 1 hospitals.

The clinics are located at Matero First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Mwachisompola First Level Hospital in Chibombo, Kapiri Mposhi First Level Hospital, Chifubu Level 1 Hospital in Ndola, and Chipata District Hospital in Eastern Province.

These clinics bring specialised services closer to communities, strengthening early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for conditions such as type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, cardiac conditions and other severe NCDs.

Every child deserves more than treatment, they deserve hope, friendship, confidence, and the opportunity to dream without limits.