Description
Background/Introduction:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in Kenya, with disproportionate impact on vulnerable and marginalized communities. Persistent stigma, limited awareness, and policy gaps hinder equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care. Lived experiences, when amplified through media and grounded in rights-based advocacy, provide a powerful mechanism to reduce stigma, build empathy, and influence policy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating lived experiences into media-driven advocacy to strengthen NCD awareness and policy engagement in Kenya.
Methods:
Between 2022 and 2024, a multi-platform initiative was implemented, combining radio, television, podcasts, and digital campaigns to share testimonies of individuals living with NCDs. These narratives were coupled with community dialogues and roundtables with civil society and policymakers to translate lived realities into advocacy for stronger health systems. Data sources included media analytics, community surveys, and policy engagement reports.
Results:
The initiative reached an estimated 2.5 million people across Kenya, with 60% growth in audience engagement compared to baseline outreach. Post-campaign surveys indicated increased knowledge of NCD risk factors particularly diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity among youth and women in urban informal settlements. Storytelling and dialogue reduced stigma and fostered supportive community networks. Policy outcomes included the integration of NCD messaging into two national media campaigns, enhanced Ministry of Health collaboration, and strengthened civil society participation in ongoing discussions on NCD financing and equitable service delivery.
Conclusion:
Centering lived experiences in advocacy, amplified through media platforms, is a high-impact strategy for NCD prevention and control. This approach effectively bridges the gap between communities and policymakers, reduces stigma, and promotes inclusive health policies aligned with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda. Scaling such initiatives can accelerate national and regional efforts to build resilient, people-centered health systems.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | Digital Media Officer |
| Received a Grant? | No |
