Ogweno Stephen’s insightful article has been prominently featured on the NCD Alliance (NCDA) website as part of the Global Week of Action on NCDs. The article, titled “Understanding Meaningful Engagement: A Key for People-Centred UHC,” delves into the critical topic of true meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs (Noncommunicable Diseases). The piece provides a comprehensive exploration of this concept and offers real-life examples from Ogweno Stephen’s own experiences.

Here is an excerpt of the article:

‘Meaningful engagement’ of people living with NCDs has become a bit of a buzzword in the NCD circle, yet its true importance within the NCD response is not well enough understood. To develop this widespread understanding, it is vital to first highlight what meaningful engagement is not. Meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs is not tokenism, i.e., having people living with NCDs as symbols just to meet a requirement with no real contributions from them. It’s also not a lack of communication through the entire process of engagement, it is not failing to consider diverse opinions, and it is not creating avenues where there are huge power imbalances, which results in a situation where people living with NCDs feel intimidated to make their contribution. These practices continue to be the norm when involving people living with NCDs.

Ogweno Stephen’s article not only raises awareness about the importance of meaningful engagement but also shines a light on the essential elements required to ensure that individuals with NCDs are actively and genuinely involved in shaping policies and initiatives that impact their lives. By sharing his personal insights and experiences, Ogweno Stephen enriches the discourse on creating a people-centered approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

To read the full article and gain a deeper understanding of meaningful engagement in the context of NCDs and UHC, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the following link: https://ncdalliance.org/news-events/blog/understanding-meaningful-engagement-a-key-for-people-centred-uhc

As a dedicated advocate for NCDs, Ogweno Stephen’s contribution to the discourse further strengthens the global commitment to fostering impactful change and championing the rights and voices of individuals living with NCDs.