P-54: Feasibility and acceptability of an integrated type 1 diabetes and sickle cell disease pen-plus camp in Chongwe, Zambia
A Adler, B Mulenga, C Whelley, M Ngandu, F Goma, O Nabeta, C Pfaff, G Bukhman, E Wroe, , PEN-Plus Working GroupAbstract
Introduction
Resources for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases (SC-NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are increasingly constrained, with particularly limited investment in rare noncommunicable diseases. To fill this critical gap, investment in Integrated care models including PEN-Plus is needed. Camps are an established mode of teaching young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) self-management but are rare for sickle cell disease (SCD), despite its high burden in SSA. No prior studies describe integrated T1D/SCD camps.
Objectives
This study evaluates acceptability and feasibility of a combined T1D/SCD camp model in Zambia.
Methods
An integrated T1D–SCD camp was held August 17–22, 2025 in Chongwe District, Zambia, through local and international partnerships. Sixty participants (30 T1D, 30 SCD; ages 10–26) attended. Daily debriefs with healthcare professionals (HCPs) assessed acceptability and feasibility of the camp.
Results
No severe adverse events occurred in any T1D campers. All SCD participants were first-time campers; 53% of T1D participants had prior camp experience. HCPs reported high acceptability noting strong peer connection, biocitizenship, and shared understanding across conditions, with no perceived detriment to T1D-specific experiences. Key lessons for future camps included: a need for increased emergency preparedness, limited private clinical or rest space, and scheduling challenges-particularly the need for strict mealtimes for T1D. Educational delivery benefited from smaller, age-stratified groups for greater participant engagement. HCPs highlighted the importance of addressing traditional medicine beliefs within education sessions.
Conclusions
An integrated T1D/SCD camp is feasible and acceptable in this SSA setting, with potential benefits including optimized resources, enhanced peer support, and increased cross-disease biocitizenship. Future implementation should include structured rest time and smaller age-stratified groups with tailored education for improved delivery and outcomes