In a recent episode of the “Voices of the Health Revolution” podcast, hosted by Ogweno Stephen through the NCD Alliance, listeners were treated to an engaging discussion on the pivotal leadership required as the global community prepares for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The episode brought together three prominent speakers who emphasized the unique roles and collaborative efforts needed to spearhead significant progress in the NCD movement.

The Unique Expertise of People Living with NCDs

Lucía Feito Allonca, one of the featured speakers, passionately highlighted the invaluable expertise of individuals living with NCDs. She stated, “We are not just key stakeholders but we hold a very unique expertise… that no other expert has, because we know what it’s like to live with the condition.” This sentiment underscores the importance of involving those directly affected by NCDs in the decision-making processes and policy implementations. Their lived experiences provide insights and perspectives that are crucial for developing effective and empathetic health interventions.

Collaboration: The North Star of Global Health

Alejandro Daly, another insightful contributor to the episode, discussed the essential role of collaboration in advancing the NCD agenda. Drawing parallels from his involvement in the climate change and mental health movements, Daly predicted that health would become the North Star of global cooperation and multilateralism, with NCDs at the core of this focus. He advocated for building bridges with various health advocates, including those working towards promoting healthy food and those uncovering the detrimental impacts of industries like tobacco and alcohol.

Bridging Gaps and Building Alliances

Host Ogweno Stephen reiterated the necessity of forging alliances across different health sectors. He emphasized that collaboration among advocates for healthy food, climate action, and mental health, alongside efforts to combat health-harming industries, would strengthen the overall NCD movement. By uniting these diverse efforts, the global health community can present a more formidable front against NCDs, ensuring that health remains a central pillar of international cooperation and policy-making.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs approaches, the insights shared in this podcast episode serve as a crucial reminder of the leadership and collaborative spirit required to make meaningful progress. The voices of those living with NCDs, combined with the collective efforts of various health advocates, will be instrumental in shaping policies and strategies that prioritize health and well-being on a global scale.

In conclusion, this episode of “Voices of the Health Revolution” not only highlighted the unique expertise of individuals living with NCDs but also the critical need for cross-sector collaboration. As Ogweno Stephen and his guests eloquently demonstrated, these elements will be key in driving forward the NCD agenda and ensuring a healthier future for all.

Listen here https://soundcloud.com/ncdalliance/leadership-starts-with-people-living-with-ncds