The Voices of NCDI Poverty Advocacy Fellowship provides those with lived experienced with NCDIs in the countries representing the poorest billion with mentorship, training in building successful advocacy campaigns, financial compensation, and the opportunity to take a voting role in the governance of the NCDI Poverty Network. The NCDI Poverty Network benefits from hearing the insights and personal experiences of those living with severe, chronic NCDs in low-and lower-middle income countries.

During their fellowship period, each advocacy fellow planned and carried out individual advocacy projects:

  • Paladie Kampuhwe brought people living with type 1 diabetes together in support groups in the underserved Eastern Province of Rwanda;

  • Anu Gomanju utilized social media to establish a people living with rheumatic heart disease advocacy group and network in Nepal, a first of its kind in the region;

  • Eunice Owino built sickle cell disease awareness in Kenya and other areas of the world where SCD is prevalent, particularly by leading workshops with SCD patients, parents, and healthcare providers;

  • and Moses Echodu spearheaded outreach activities with youth in Uganda to build awareness for cancer and other severe NCDs through printed educational materials, radio shows, and screening campaigns.

As their fellowship period came to an end, each fellow wrote a personal essay about their journeys from people living with NCDs to global health advocates. We invite you to read these stories below.

Type 1 Diabetes Champion: Paladie Kampuhwe’s Story

Much of my outreach work is focused on diabetes education because it’s important to eradicate the many misunderstandings about the condition. When I get in front of people, the first thing I say is that I’m living with type 1 diabetes. My energy and enthusiasm silence the voices that said I would die. People who live with type 1 diabetes and other severe noncommunicable diseases are no different from anyone else. 

Finding My Purpose in Health Advocacy: Anu Gomanju’s Story

Becoming a health advocate and sharing my experience with the world has answered the questions that have plagued me since I was diagnosed as a child: Why do I have rheumatic heart disease? Why do I have to depend on medicine? What is the purpose in my life? I have found my purpose in health advocacy.

Sickle Cell Warrior: Eunice Owino’s Story

We’re called sickle cell warriors because we’re fighters. Even though we experience excruciating bouts of pain, we can overcome

Sickle cell disease is not a death sentence. You can live with it and manage it. 

Overcoming Stigma to Become an Advocate for Kids with Cancer in Uganda and Beyond: Moses Echodu’s Story

The onus is on us to create an environment of normalcy for PLWNCDs, where people understand that anyone can receive an NCD diagnosis, but that doesn’t change who they are, and you will not get the disease by associating with them. I fought cancer and won, and now I’m fighting the stigma that people with NCDs are doomed to die, because everyone deserves access to affordable NCD treatment. I hope others who have lived with cancer and other NCDs will feel empowered to share their stories to break down stigma and demand access to treatment for all.