By Faith Anene, Kakamega
The Non-Communicable diseases Alliance Kenya (NCDAK) is leading advocacy efforts on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) to create synergies and advance progress towards sensitisation of NCD targets for their prevention and control in the country.
Addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly sickle cell disease, a group of people living with non-communicable diseases gathered at a Kakamega Hotel in Kakamega for a training on advocacy under the Afya Dhabiti project.
The project, spearheaded by Jared Owuor and Harrison Andeko,Programs Officers at the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCDAK), aimed to empower individuals living with non-communicable diseases to become advocates for their health rights.
The training was designed to equip them with skills to articulate their challenges and push for policy change at the county and national levels.
“Our population, especially in the endemic regions of the western belt and the coastal counties, continues to suffer deeply due to sickle cell disease. The loss—both economic and human—is enormous. It’s time for counties, government bodies, and development partners to come together and find lasting solutions,” said Mr. Owuor.
One of the key voices at the training was Sheliz Ambila, a 27-year-old sickle cell survivor. She shared her story of resilience and activism, telling on the discrimination, stigma, and mental health struggles that many sickle cell patients endure.
“I formed a support group because I realized how many of us were suffering in silence. Some were rejected by families, others struggled with suicidal thoughts. We need the Ministry of Health to recognize us, embrace us, and support us through this journey,” Ambila urged.
Morris Francisco, a teacher and long-time sickle cell warrior, shared his emotional journey living with the disease.
“My life has been full of challenges. From a young age, people predicted I wouldn’t live past 15. Some said 18, others 21. Today I am 29 and still fighting,” he said. “The most difficult part is managing the condition. Medication is expensive and often out of reach. There’s also the stigma – people often associate sickle cell with death.”
Victoria Khaoya echoed similar concerns, calling on the government to prioritize access to medication. “We are suffering. Accessing treatment is a big challenge, and many of us are forced to go without essential drugs,” she said.
The impact of NCDAK’s involvement is already being felt on the ground. Ronald, a doctor at Hamisi Sub-County, revealed that a collaborative effort with NCDAK led to the construction of a dedicated clinic for NCDs in the area.
“Before the clinic, we had no data on sickle cell in Vihiga. Now, we have real numbers and can begin to understand the scale of them issue,” said Dr. Ronald.
According to the World Health Organization, investing in NCDs has been proven to contribute to reduced health care costs and increased economic development.
The NCD burden threatens Kenya’s quest to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a central pillar of the health reforms agenda that includes prevention and care for NCDs.
