Georgia M Chimombo PPRO Spokesperson

Miss Salifyanji will be live on Diamond TV’s Breakfast Show tomorrow morning at 07:30 hours. She will join the discussion on sickle cell disease, where she will share her personal journey as a sickle cell warrior.

Please tune in.

Diamond Media Zambia
Diamond TV Online

Meet Salifyanji Natalie Musonda, my first born daughter, a true Sickle Cell Warrior. ❤️

Salifyanji was born with sickle cell disease (SCD), a group of inherited blood disorders that affect how oxygen is carried in the body due to abnormal hemoglobin. From the very beginning, her journey has required strength, discipline, and courage and she has shown all three in abundance.

But here is what stands out the most: sickle cell has never defined her, and it has never limited her.

Salifyanji has learned how to take care of herself with remarkable maturity. She takes her daily medication, eats well, stays hydrated, and understands what triggers her sickle cell crises.

Today, she is in boarding school, thriving in Form 2, and performing exceptionally well academically, consistently at the top of her class. Beyond the classroom, she is actively involved in extracurricular activities. She participates in debate, excels in World Scholars, and finds joy on the netball court, her favorite sport.

She is also surrounded by a strong support system at school, with caring teachers and supportive friends who understand her condition and help her settle in well, making her journey even more manageable and encouraging.

This August, Salifyanji will be representing Zambia on international platforms at the World Scholars Global Round in Shanghai and at the World Debating Tournament in Tanzania.

Now pause for a moment and let that sink in…
A young girl living with sickle cell is not just surviving, she is thriving, competing globally, and breaking barriers.
Her story is a reminder that sickle cell is not a limitation. It is a condition that requires care, awareness, and resilience but it does not cancel dreams.

Common Misconceptions About Sickle Cell Disease:
•”People with sickle cell cannot live long lives.”
This is not true. With proper care, treatment, and support, many people with SCD live full, productive lives.

•”Sickle cell is contagious.”
It is not. Sickle cell is inherited, meaning it is passed down genetically from parents.

•”Children with sickle cell should avoid school or activities.”
False. With proper management, children with SCD can go to school, play sports, and participate in activities just like others.

•”Sickle cell means constant illness.”
While crises can occur, many individuals live healthy and active lives in between episodes.

•”It is a death sentence.”
Absolutely not. Sickle cell is a condition, not the end of life or purpose.

To everyone living with sickle cell: never give up, and never lose hope. Live your life boldly. Grow in faith. Dream without fear.

And to parents raising children with sickle cell: you are not alone. Accept the journey, learn how to care for your child, and surround them with love, strength, and support. Your encouragement can shape their future in powerful ways.

Salifyanji’s story is still being written and it is already a beautiful one ☝️
Salifyanji Musonda the Kid Sickle Cell Advocate

UNDERSTANDING OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences repeated, unwanted thoughts (called obsessions) and feels driven to perform certain actions or rituals (called compulsions) to reduce anxiety. These patterns can interfere with daily life if they become intense or time-consuming.

Common Symptoms
People with OCD may experience:

1. Persistent, intrusive thoughts (e.g., fear of germs, harm, or making mistakes)
2. Repetitive behaviors like excessive handwashing, checking, counting, or arranging things
3. Strong anxiety if they don’t perform these rituals
4. Awareness that their thoughts or behaviors may not make logical sense, but difficulty stopping

How Does OCD Develop?
OCD doesn’t have a single cause. It can develop due to a mix of factors such as:

• Genetics (it can run in families)
• Brain chemistry and how certain brain circuits function
• Stressful or traumatic life events
• Learned behaviors over time

Who Can Have OCD?
Anyone can develop OCD; children, teenagers, and adults. It affects people from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, culture, or lifestyle.

How to Manage OCD
OCD is manageable, especially with the right support. Common approaches include:

• Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Medication prescribed by a qualified health professional
• Stress management techniques like relaxation and mindfulness
• Building supportive routines and seeking help early

Addressing Misconceptions
It is important to clarify that being neat, organized, or hygiene-conscious does not equate to having OCD. The condition involves distressing, uncontrollable thoughts and compulsive behaviors that go beyond everyday preferences for cleanliness or order.

Call to Action
Mental health is an essential component of overall health. Individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD are encouraged to seek support from qualified healthcare providers. Communities, families, and institutions must work together to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and ensure access to mental health services.

Your Mental Health Matters. Seek Help Early.
Georgia Mutale Chimombo

PERSONAL GROWTH

Growth is uncomfortable.

It will make you question yourself.
It will expose your weaknesses.
It will force you to let go of versions of yourself you were comfortable with.

But that’s the thing…

You cannot become who you’re meant to be
while holding onto who you used to be.
Outgrowing people, habits, and mindsets is not a loss. It’s alignment.

And not everyone will understand it…
but that’s okay.

How men picture health workers when they are sick… no wonder they avoid the hospital 😭😅
Dear men, please feel free to come through anytime, even after 16:40; we will attend to you. Do not stay home when you are sick.
🐊 😂😂

We look forward to welcoming you in 14 days.

Salt Sana

Driving accountability and sustainable health financing