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CategoriesArticle Meet the Team Edition
byWACI Health

Meet ‘Nombasa’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Nombasa Gxuluwe, the Programs Manager at WACI Health. She is a Health and Human Rights activist with extensive experience in campaigning, lobbying and advocacy.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you worked in this field?

Answer:
It was a mere coincidence – during the period I had just completed my university education and was searching for work, I attended HIV Prevention workshops in my area, courtesy of my mother who happened to be a healthcare worker and facilitator of these workshops. I became passionate when I got to better understand the challenges South Africa was facing in regards to HIV/AIDS then and the scarcity of access to prevention measures as opposed to today. This became my entry into advocacy. I then began exploring other avenues as I wanted to be the change I wanted to see.

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

It has been a wonderful experience. WACI Health has taken my work to new heights. I have been able to broaden my scope from local advocacy in South Africa to regional advocacy in Africa. I have come to realise that health challenges in Africa are quite similar and that we need to collectively put forward tremendous efforts in addressing these recurrent challenges by coming up with proper solutions. In addition, WACI Health is women-led, which is quite encouraging to me – seeing women in our society playing a big role in agitating for better healthcare in our continent.

Question: What advice would you give to Africans looking to strengthen their advocacy and pushing for health for all?

Answer:

First is to reduce the ignorance many of us have in regards to healthcare in Africa, so that there are many Africans understanding and tackling challenges affecting health in Africa. Mobilising Africans and informing them on the depth of the challenges we are currently facing and the cause of inaction would, in my opinion, grow the number of passionate and self driven Africans who would join the advocacy space and agitate for better healthcare services for their people.

Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?

Answer:

Working with people with different backgrounds and beliefs is quite a challenge. It is important to always have alternative ideas and strategies in tackling challenges and delivery of objectives. Having an open mind and understanding people’s diversity helps me strategise and properly plan for myself. This helps diversify my approach in order to achieve my set goals and the goals of WACI Health.

Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Answer:

The biggest chunk of my work and passion is towards protecting human rights. My heart bleeds seeing what is currently happening in Africa and the passing of draconian laws. My hope is that in the next five years, we would manage to mobilise champions and voices that can talk more sense to power, and ensure people’s rights are protected and promoted in order for them to live freely and enjoy their freedom. On top of that, we must build a second layer of leadership by taking our youth to the table and ensuring that we have diverse approaches in tackling Africa’s healthcare problems.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I really love organising social gatherings that involve my family and friends. I ensure everything is in order and flows seamlessly as the event takes place.

Question: Best song you’re currently listening to?

Answer:

I currently love listening to Molo Sisi by our local artist, Mandisi Dyantis.

 

CategoriesArticle YL4H
byWACI Health

Under the Tree – August Edition

Under the Tree is a program led by WACI Health that connects youth leaders passionate about health and healthcare systems, and fosters them to advocate for policy change at key national, regional and global advocacy moments. The young leaders aim to influence decision-makers on health issues during a range of pivotal moments – including, for example, such as national elections, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and World Malaria Day. 

The August Edition of Under the Tree’s signature event featured Elliard Kupfuma, a development practitioner based in Zimbabwe, as the key speaker. About 30 young leaders engaged in this knowledge exchange program with the former mentee. He presented on ‘The Role of Youth in Reimagining SRHR Policy Narratives in Africa’. The sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) framework recognises the fundamental rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and requires the participation of young people to ensure that policies reflect their unique needs, experiences, and perspectives. Engaging youth in shaping SRHR policy narratives fosters inclusivity, promotes innovation, and strengthens efforts toward achieving equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services across Africa.

Stay tuned for our monthly editions of Under the Tree.

CategoriesArticle Meet the Team Edition
byNigel Nzalla

Meet ‘Rosemary’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Rosemary Mburu, the Executive Director at WACI Health. She is a global health advocate and civil society leader in Africa working to create political will for improved health outcomes in Africa.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you done it?

Answer:

“There was a gap in the access point of view. The HIV epidemic was ravaging across communities in Kenya and in Africa. I came to understand the biggest factor around changing that was through political will. We required decision makers to make the right decisions that would favour people and ensure that there is access to HIV services (prevention, treatment, care and support). This was my entry point into advocacy and by seeing how other advocates pushed, made me attracted to the movement. This happened in the year 2007/ 2008. The HIV movement served as my entry point, but I have since evolved into global health advocacy.”

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

I have had a great experience. I love my work, the people, the environment, and the impact I am making in the advocacy space. My key takeaway is the power of people’s voices and what we can achieve when we come together. I have learned that in this field, it is less important to push yourself through a door, space, or process, and more important to mobilize movements to increase impact. WACI Health strengthens the voices of civil society, allowing them to continue amplifying their messages and boosting their impact and reach.

Question: How is it being a woman leader in those big board rooms dominated by men?

Answer:

Being a female leader carries certain responsibilities due to societal perceptions. Today, we don’t need to specify “female leaders”; we simply say “leaders.” Holding a leadership position as a woman comes with the privilege and awareness that you have significant influence to effect positive change. It is an honor to lead an organization and civil society in the region while also connecting with the global civil society. Despite challenges, such as considering the broader impact of your decisions on communities and civil society, my focus is not only on amplifying and ensuring WACI Health’s visibility but also on enhancing the visibility and influence of civil society as a whole.

Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?

Answer:

One of the biggest challenges is embracing diversity and inclusion. If not approached carefully, it is easy to miss the mark. Understanding that communities and civil society are not homogeneous but highly diverse is crucial. As advocates, being mindful of our actions allows us to fully embrace this diversity and recognize the various players within the civil society space. It’s important to avoid leaning solely on groups that align with our own perspectives. This approach ties back to cultural humility—being aware of others’ orientations, socializations, and priorities, and promoting a collective voice rather than targeting a single group.

Question: Where do you see WACI Health in the next 5 years?

Answer:

As we approach the 2030 goals, the world will be determining the next set of global objectives within the development space. This process has already begun with the UN Summit of the Future, and I envision WACI Health playing a crucial role in ensuring that health remains a key priority in the upcoming development agenda.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I truly cherish the beautiful aspects of life: people, cultures, art, and nature.

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Building SRHR & HIV Prevention with UHC

Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) and HIV Prevention with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was convened jointly by AfNHi, WACI Health, CASPR, WHO, CSEM, Frontline AIDS, from 18th to 20th June 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting brought together lead advocates from nine selected African countries spearheading the process at the country level, with the intention of implementing this initiative.

 

The selection process was based on the existing partnerships between the collaborating entities and country partners who are already engaging in the integration of SRHR and UHC. The countries included; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya. The two-and-a-half-day project commenced with a needs assessment, informing the development of training workshops and adopting an advocate’s guide based on the WHO handbook. The workshop provided a platform for the advocates and partners to discuss, deliberate and share experiences. Participants also explored challenges, best practices and lessons learnt in Bridging Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV Prevention with Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The forum took an open floor model with presentations, group work, and plenary sessions.

 

Click here to access more information.

 

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

CiSPHA REGIONAL WEBINAR

CiSPHA REGIONAL WEBINAR

African Union (AU) Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The Intergovernmental Negotiations Body (INB)

 

On 11th April 2024, the Africa Civil Society Platform for Health (CiSPHA) held a Regional Webinar for representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in conversations on the African Union Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The International Negotiations Body (INB). 45 participants from across Africa and the world joined the discussions. The webinar was moderated by Gloria Mululu,Policy & Advocacy at WACI Health.

Bright Sefah, Policy Officer at AU-ECOSOCC, spoke on how the AU has evolved from a political organisation to being Citizens focused where citizens take centre stage and get to participate through Civil societies and own the Development in the region. He further spoke on AU-CSOs engagement through the new accreditation framework.AU is doing so much to enhance itself in areas of health to achieve a healthy continent as a whole in line with Agenda 2063.

Nahason Aluoka, Strategic Advisor at Pandemic Action Network, gave an update on the Intergovernmental Negotiations Body processes, specifically the International Negotiations Body. There is division on issues such as One Health, Pandemic Access & Benefit Sharing System (PABS), IP and Tech transfer, Financing and accountability issues.Another resumed session is planned for 29th April to May 10th since INB 9 did not end on a good note and there is limited time to deliver the Convention agreement as many countries are going through elections

Lizzy Otaye, Advocacy and Communication specialist at EANNASO emphasised on the need for equity in global health processes. She mentioned that there is a need for equity since most Public Health Interventions work are at community level, thus it is important to involve them in the processes. There is a concern on how Pandemic preparedness programs are formed and the need to identify the role of CSOs in these programmes from the start.

 

Read more:

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

Day of the African Child Commemoration

Day of the African Child Commemoration
By Brenda Bonareri

“Education for all children in Africa: the time is now” is the 2024 theme for the Day of the African Child (DAC) commemoration. 

Every year since 1991, the commemoration of the DAC happens on June 16th. It was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to honor those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement in the education provided to African children.

This year was not different when it came to the celebration of this special day.The International Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected By HIV (INERELA+) Kenya hosted the commemoration on 15th June at the Presbyterian Guest House, Nairobi, Kenya. Several stakeholders attended the event to mark this special day. During the event, we had the Swahili tagline “Afya yetu utajiri wetu,” which means our health, our wealth.

The event was graced by government officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), and civil registration services. Civil society and communities were also represented by religious leaders from different religions and CSOs like Stop TB Partnership Kenya, WACI Health, VacciNations Campaign, EGPAF, WOFAK, and Mtoto News, among others. Children were also in attendance.Throughout the speeches, the need to protect children was emphasized. There was also a lot of emphasis on living in a discrimination-free world for HIV-infected people.

NASCOP highlighted the government’s commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission. They also informed us of the government’s triple threat strategy, which includes three things: ending GBV by 2027, ending teenage pregnancies, and eliminating new infections among children by 2027. ”The ministry of health is an active promoter of child protection. Let us champion good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, education, and nurturing, said Janette Karimi, Head of Newborn and Child Health, Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Education representative emphasized that the protection of children is not only on the UN agenda but also on the African and Government of Kenya agendas. She stressed how education is the key to children’s dreams, but HIV and TB remain threats to this. She believes this event reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect, nurture and empower children. “Let us work collaboratively to ensure no child is left behind.”

The event ended with the launch of the Call to Action, which had several action points for the government and other stakeholders. This included a call to the ministry of health to support vaccination for children, a call to communities to provide a safe environment for children, and a call for the government to invest more in children’s health, among other action points.

The VacciNations campaign led by PATH and WACI Health calls for the prioritization of children’s immunization. Stronger advocacy and commitment from our leaders is needed to ensure African children receive the immunization needed for a strong and healthy life. Children deserve to live in a safe community!

 

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

UN CSOs Conference

UN CSOs Conference 2024

The flagship event on Civil Society’s calendar was The UN Civil Society Conference which happened in Nairobi, Kenya during May 9-10, 2024. CSOs were offered a forum to address global issues, convene senior UN officials, notable international civil society organisations, youth changemakers, academics, public opinion leaders, and international media to deliberate on matters of worldwide concern. The conference managed to provide preliminary discussions and data ahead of the ‘Summit of the Future’ in September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York. 

The UN CSOs conference participation was “successful”, despite some shortcomings: the oversight of prioritising health in the ‘Pact for the Future’ and the displeasing fact that health was not recognized among the 20 ImPACT coalitions; managed to score a big win on the latter, by which CSOs delivered as one and secured an ImPACT coalition for health despite all the push back and unfounded reasoning to make up for the failure to do so. So far the Health ImPACT coalition has 329 members from all over the world. 

WACI Health was at the centre of this success by providing its experience, technical advice and assistance and coordinating with other CSOs on the lobbying and demonstration, urging the UN to recognize Health among the ImPACT coalitions. Our efforts have contributed to the success of having the ImPACT coalition on Health which is co-led by WACI Health, GFAN, ITPC Global, GNP+, Frontline AIDS and STOPAIDS. Following the formation of the Coalition, on May 21, the Co-Leads hosted a webinar ‘The Summit of the Future: Implications for Global Health’. In parallel, ITPC published a white paper: “From the Ground UP: How Community Action Redefines Global Crisis Management”. Key considerations ahead of the 2024 UN Summit of the Future – aiming to support the urgent call to action to do things differently. 

With over 120 participants online, we applied to establish a coalition focused on health to provide a space to continue this discussion and engage in the Summit of the Future. At the UN CSOs Conference, additional organisations/participants joined the effort, delivering the following statement; 

The Pact of the Future must COMMIT TO HEALTH

Today, over half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services. The pact for the Future cannot speak of the interests of the future generations without prioritising the right to health, among all, economic, cultural and social rights. Action on health requires action on the social, commercial and political causes of health and disease. 

Health is a fundamental human right. Every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, conducive to living a life in dignity. Health and gender are closely intertwined, through sexual and reproductive health rights, UHC and the struggle against HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, non-communicable disease and childhood illnesses. 

There is no future without health. Without health for all, we cannot eradicate poverty and inequality to tackle our climate crisis. Health is essential to meet all the SDGs. Yet, health inequalities are a pervasive global issue. There is no health if it is not properly funded, or if our governments are crippled by debt and tax injustices. Furthermore, we have already seen that private financing and provision of health services drives health and gender inequities. Our future generations deserve the right to health care as a public service. Our financing architecture needs to be transformed to include health as a critical priority, served by global finance rather than subservient to money. 

Health is not a privilege. Health is a human right, for everyone, everywhere! Health rights are necessary for fulfilling all other human rights. Every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health conducive to living a life in dignity. 

What is the point of a Pact for the Future that ignores health? The draft version for civil society makes scant mention of health, and equally undervalues human rights, gender and all other public services. That must change before the Pact is finalised at the Summit for the Future. 

 

Summit of the Future: 

The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.

We already have the “what” in the form of many existing agreements and commitments, starting with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and many others.

The Summit of the Future will look at the “how” – how to cooperate better to deliver on the above aspiration and goals? How are the needs of the present while also preparing for the challenges of the future?

 

The ImPACT Coalition: 

This ImPACT Coalition will focus its efforts on ensuring that the outcomes of the Summit of the Future are well connected to the upcoming World Social Summit set to take place in September 2025. This includes a strong focus on poverty eradication, social protection, and social cohesion

 

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Adherence To Art Medication And Challenges Faced By Young People Living With HIV

On July 29, 2023, a gathering of young individuals living with HIV became a beacon of strength and support. This support group session was dedicated to addressing the vital topics of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and the challenges faced by young people in accessing HIV services. It provided a safe haven for these resilient souls to exchange experiences, coping strategies, and tales of triumph over adversity. With 24 participants, including eight from the LGBTQIA community, the session was a testament to the power of community and shared resilience.

Session Highlights:

This support group session was an active dialogue, allowing participants to open their hearts and minds freely. Here are the key takeaways:

ART Experiences and Coping Mechanisms:

Participants emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to ART medication for maintaining their health. They shared their personal journeys, shedding light on the various coping mechanisms they’ve employed to navigate challenges such as medication side effects, stigma, and emotional well-being. The session became a platform for these young warriors to exchange strategies and provide mutual support, nurturing a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Challenges in Accessing Services:

The challenges in accessing HIV services emerged as a significant theme. Participants identified barriers such as limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of awareness about available services, and the persistent specter of discrimination and stigma. The LGBTQIA community members shared their unique experiences, unveiling additional layers of obstacles they face. The session encouraged participants to voice their concerns and collectively brainstorm potential solutions.

Success Stories and Achieving Low Detectable Levels:

The session was not just a platform for sharing challenges; it was also a stage for showcasing success stories. Participants narrated their journeys of ART adherence, culminating in the achievement of low detectable levels of HIV infection. These stories served as beacons of inspiration and motivation for others facing similar trials. The session underscored the pivotal role of support networks, healthcare provider relationships, and self-care practices in achieving positive health outcomes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this support group session on ART adherence and challenges in accessing HIV services was a powerful forum for young individuals to pool their wisdom and experiences. It illuminated the ongoing need for support, awareness, and advocacy to address the unique hurdles faced by young people living with HIV. By fostering a sense of community and empowerment, the session aimed to ignite a spirit of resilience, encouraging participants to maintain their ART adherence and strive for low detectable levels of HIV infection. In these voices, we find the strength to triumph over adversity, inspiring hope for a brighter future in the face of HIV.

Kelvin Njoroge

AfNHi Youth Cohort Mentee 2023

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Uganda to Combat Workplace Harassment

Recent findings from a study conducted in Uganda reveal alarming statistics: one in three Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) have suffered physical or sexual abuse, while an even more distressing one in two have experienced sexual harassment. This pervasive violence against AGYW poses a grave concern that demands immediate attention. Such acts of violence not only inflict physical and emotional trauma but also lead to financial hardships, hindering AGYW’s ability to pursue education, employment, and a healthy life.

 

Addressing this pressing issue, ACTS101 Uganda partnered with UGANENT LAW to organize an empowering event titled “Empowerment to Power,” specifically targeting young women in the workplace. The primary objective of this engagement was to empower AGYW, enabling them to voice their concerns and advocate for measures against workplace violence and abuse. Additionally, it aimed to raise awareness regarding the pervasive issue of violence targeting AGYW in employment settings.

 

Understanding Body Autonomy and Gender-Based Violence (GBV):

Mrs. Bridget N. Jjuuko, Executive Director of ACTS101 Uganda, initiated the event with a crucial presentation highlighting the significance of body autonomy. Body autonomy emphasizes an individual’s right to make choices about their body without fear of violence or coercion. During the presentation, the six core types of gender-based violence (GBV) were discussed in detail:

  1. Physical Violence
  2. Verbal Violence
  3. Psychological Violence
  4. Harassment and Sexual Violence
  5. Socio-Economic Violence
  6. Domestic Violence

 

Sharing Personal Experiences:

Following Mrs. Jjuuko’s presentation, AGYW participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences of workplace violence. These stories unveiled the heart-wrenching reality of their daily struggles. For instance:

– One young woman recounted how her boss frequently made inappropriate comments about her appearance, creating an uncomfortable work environment.

– Another young woman revealed that her boss had demanded a kiss, and upon her refusal, unjustly terminated her employment.

– A third young woman, who identifies as transgender, disclosed being physically assaulted by a client.

 

Understanding Legal Framework and Rights:

The sharing of experiences led to a constructive discussion about the legal framework concerning sexual harassment. Ms. Shakira, a lawyer from UGANENT LAW, advised AGYW participants to carefully review their employment contracts and become aware of their rights. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a journal to document any incidents of harassment and encouraged participants to confide in trusted friends or family members about their experiences.

 

Charting the Path Forward:

The engagement concluded with a session dedicated to charting a path forward. AGYW participants proposed several actionable steps to address workplace GBV effectively:

 

  1. Development of a one-page information sheet on GBV within every organization.
  2. Creation of a standard GBV manual tailored to AGYW, facilitating training and awareness.
  3. Drafting a petition to raise awareness about GBV.
  4. Collaboration among civil society organizations to collectively combat this pressing issue.

Conclusion:

The “Empowerment to Power” engagement served as a valuable platform for AGYW to share their workplace harassment experiences and gain insights into their rights. Although significant work remains in addressing this pervasive problem, this event marked a crucial step forward. By empowering AGYW to stand against workplace sexual harassment, we aim to build a more just and equitable society for all, recognizing that AGYW represent the future of Uganda.

Victoria Nalweyiso

AfNHi Youth Mentee 2023

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Engage online toward the High-level Meeting on UHC – #UHCHLM

Here we are: the UN High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UN HLM on UHC) is only 2 weeks away! This is a major opportunity to reinvigorate progress toward #HealthForAll. And everyone can engage to raise their voice! Here are 3 ways you can mobilize online ⬇️ #UHCHLM Engagement

1️⃣Countdown to the UN High-Level Meeting on UHC – Online Campaign

Ahead of the High-level meetings in New york,  join UHC advocates from all around the world for a final online campaign on #UHCHLM. From 11 to 20 September, the campaign will focus on a specific action area from the UHC Action Agenda, to call for concrete actions following the adoption of the  2023 Political Declaration on UHC.

To participate:

  • Download the calendar here
  • Engage via your social media channels – following  CSEM (@CSOs4UHC) and UHC2030 (@UHC2030) on x.com (former Twitter), and on LinkedIn (UHC2030)

Visit the UHC2030 website for more information.

2️⃣Participate in the online Chat on Leaving No One Behind

On September 12, 3-3:30 pm CET / 9-9.30 am ET, UHC2030 and CSEM will coordinate a #UHCHLM chat on x.com (formerly known as Twitter) on leaving no one behind.

This online chat is an opportunity to mobilize the UHC movement and rally a diverse audience behind UHC.

We invite you to engage in this short chat and take the opportunity to share and elevate key messages, resources and best practices. Please find here more information, and the 5 questions that will be asked: https://csemonline.net/event/uhchlm-chat-about-leaving-no-one-behind/

3️⃣ Stay up to date on the latest information on #UHCHLM: 

 

 

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