About

Agnes Nsofwa is a dedicated public relations professional, registered nurse, and global health advocate committed to advancing health equity and strengthening representation for African Australians. She brings to the Black African Australian Nurses Association (BAANA) extensive expertise in health communication, advocacy, and community engagement.

Agnes’s path into health advocacy began when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia at 14 months old. At the time, Agnes worked in the business sector with qualifications in accounting and auditing. The challenges of navigating the healthcare system as a parent of a chronically ill child inspired her to retrain as a nurse and focus her career on improving care for people affected by sickle cell disease.

After completing a Master of Nursing, she combined her business and clinical skills to become a prominent voice in Australia’s sickle cell community. As Founder and CEO of Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy Inc. (ASCA), Agnes leads national initiatives to raise awareness, support patients and caregivers, educate healthcare professionals, and advocate for fair and culturally responsive health policies.

One of her major achievements has been championing newborn screening for sickle cell disease in Australia, a critical step toward early diagnosis and improved long-term outcomes. She also supported her daughter, the first child in Australia to undergo a bone marrow transplant for sickle cell disease SS—an experience that deepened her commitment to systemic change.

Beyond advocacy, Agnes is an accomplished author of children’s books and educational resources, including a comfort doll designed to help young children understand sickle cell disease. She also manages a healthcare business that assists individuals with chronic conditions to live independently and with dignity.

In her role with BAANA, Agnes draws on her communication and leadership strengths to build partnerships across the health sector, amplify the voices of African Australian nurses, and promote the association’s mission of leadership, equity, and cultural excellence in healthcare.