Stephen Ogweno, attended the recent WHO Symposium on Meaningful Engagement of people living with NCDs, mental health, and neurological conditions. The event, held on May 15-16, 2024, gathered over 200 participants on its first day and was a significant milestone in recognizing and utilizing the expertise of individuals with lived experiences.

A Platform for Co-Creation and Meaningful Engagement

The WHO Symposium is designed to foster the co-creation and implementation of equitable NCD policies and programs. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating the insights of those directly affected by NCDs, mental health issues, and neurological conditions. This approach aligns perfectly with Ogweno’s advocacy work, which has always been rooted in community engagement and leveraging lived experiences to drive meaningful change.

Key Insights and Discussions

The symposium’s discussions were geared towards developing strategic inputs for the upcoming Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (HLM4) on NCDs in 2025. Participants explored various strategies to enhance meaningful engagement at the country level, especially in low-resource settings. These discussions are crucial for shaping policies that are inclusive and reflective of the real-world challenges faced by people living with NCDs.

Charity Muturi, a health advocacy and policy champion from Kenya, and Mark Barone, a diabetes champion from Brazil, highlighted the need for genuine inclusion in policy-making. Their messages resonated deeply with Ogweno, reinforcing his belief that public patients must be integral to public policy.

Commitment to Meaningful Engagement

Guy Fones and Maia Olsen of the WHO Global Coordination Mechanisms on NCDs underscored WHO’s commitment to meaningful engagement, emphasizing recent milestones and future opportunities. This aligns with Ogweno’s vision of creating policies that are not just top-down but built from the grassroots up, ensuring that the voices of those affected by NCDs are heard and valued.

Breakout Sessions and Strategic Planning

The symposium included multiple breakout sessions led by experts like Lavanya Vijayasingham and Joab Wako. These sessions provided a platform for discussing transformative changes in meaningful engagement, sustainable financing, and the elimination of stigmatization. Ogweno actively participated in these sessions, contributing his insights and learning from global peers about innovative approaches to advocacy.

Moving Forward with Renewed Enthusiasm

The insights gained from the symposium have renewed Ogweno’s commitment to NCD advocacy. He is particularly excited about the potential of the WHO Framework on Meaningful Engagement, which provides a clear roadmap for turning intentions into actions. This framework will be instrumental in guiding his efforts as he continues to work towards equitable health policies and practices.

Ogweno is enthusiastic about the upcoming steps and opportunities identified during the symposium. He looks forward to contributing to the draft advocacy strategy and action plan towards HLM4. By joining the Lived Experience community of practice on the Knowledge Action Portal on NCDs, Ogweno aims to stay engaged with global discussions and initiatives, ensuring that the momentum built at the symposium translates into real-world impact.

In conclusion, Stephen Ogweno’s participation in the WHO Symposium has not only enriched his understanding and strategies for NCD advocacy but also reinforced his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable health landscape. His involvement in these global conversations is a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by NCDs.