Stowelink with support from the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Of Kenya continue to implement the IPAB Project in Vihiga county whose focus is to improve priority and attention to non-communicable diseases issues at the county level. During this visit Stowelink visited the 5 groups that we are working with in Vihiga county to check up on them and to ensure continues attention ,priority, service provision and constant education and care on non-communicable diseases to the NCDS community.
From our visit in the field, here are some of the key lessons that we learnt during this visit
Effective social movements are driven by those people who feel a disease’s direct impact. We have seen this approach work in global health before. The AIDS community was extremely effective in organizing voices to be heard by people in power. What resulted was a clear movement led by those affected; organized to influence policy and resource negotiations; and intended to push decision-makers to address inequalities and stigma, unlock resources, and improve access that ultimately led to a focused global health response to HIV/AIDS.
To build a similar movement today, we need to bring to life the spirit of patient empowerment embodied in the UN Declaration on NCDs. This means recognizing that, while prevention, treatment, and care services are essential, there is much more to the patient journey which includes their challenges, and their inspiring ability to empower others. People living with NCDs face the pressure of managing their condition at home, work, school, and in the community. With limited resources to address NCDs in low- and middle-income countries, people facing these diagnoses often are left feeling that they have been given a death sentence, with limited options for care. They face the day-to-day management of their condition, in addition to coping with the financial impact of accessing health care.
Global health leaders are making strides to address NCDs, as evidenced by strategic plans, evaluation metrics, and technical guidance developed by the World Health Organization. The private sector, including corporations, nonprofits, and civil society, are working alongside governments to address barriers to access. However, more needs to be done to sustain these positive steps and reach our aggressive goals.
- Our response needs to be powered by a greater sense of urgency and awareness, and framed by people affected and their needs.
- Our results need to reflect multi-sectoral action that is inclusive and comprehensive.
- Our advocacy needs to be fueled by the voices of people affected by these conditions, ensuring their perspective is at the center of our work.
So where do we turn as an NCD community? Collective action across community organizations, businesses, the public sector, academia, and people affected by NCDs will be critical to fulfilling our objectives AND that is why at Stowelink we keep moving and we keep amplifying the voices of people living with NCDs.
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