On Wednesday, February 12, before the official start of the Global NCD Alliance Conference, an all-day pre-conference dedicated to people with lived experience of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) took place. Hosted by Our Views, Our Voices in collaboration with its Global Advisory Committee, this crucial event provided a platform for individuals affected by NCDs to share their stories, strategize, and build advocacy skills. With the generous support of Viatris, the pre-conference ran from 9 AM to 4 PM in Room MH1, setting the stage for impactful discussions and empowering advocacy initiatives.

Leadership in Action: Ogweno Stephen and Kevin Oduor Set the Tone

The event was officially opened by Ogweno Stephen and Kevin Oduor, both esteemed advocates from the Stowelink Foundation. Their leadership ensured a dynamic start to the day, guiding participants through introductions, fostering meaningful engagement, and emphasizing the importance of lived experience in shaping NCD advocacy. Their insights and facilitation established a strong foundation for the discussions that followed.

Empowering People with Lived Experience in NCD Advocacy

The pre-conference was designed to celebrate leadership, recognize best practices, and address challenges related to the meaningful involvement of people living with NCDs. Throughout the day, participants engaged in collaborative activities aimed at enhancing their advocacy skills and strengthening their involvement in key areas such as:

• Community Engagement: Exploring ways to effectively involve individuals with lived experiences in grassroots initiatives, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
• Policy Influence: Identifying barriers and opportunities for people with NCDs to participate in policymaking processes and healthcare decision-making.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Encouraging integration of NCD advocacy with other health and development sectors to create comprehensive solutions.

Building a Stronger NCD Movement

By attending this pre-conference, advocates left with renewed motivation and practical skills to drive change in their respective countries. Discussions on policy integration, cross-sector collaboration, and meaningful involvement highlighted the power of personal narratives in influencing systemic improvements in healthcare and NCD prevention.

Ogweno Stephen: A Champion for NCD Advocacy

As a leading voice in NCD advocacy, Ogweno Stephen continues to make significant strides in raising awareness and promoting action to combat non-communicable diseases. His leadership at the 4th Global NCD Alliance Pre-Conference underscores his commitment to empowering people with lived experiences and fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to NCD prevention and management.

Stay connected with Ogweno Stephen for more insights, updates, and impactful initiatives in the global fight against NCDs.