George Kwayu
My Story
In 1997, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At 3 years old, I was one of the lucky few to have a family network that was able to ensure such a diagnosis was made in Tanzania, where so many children die undiagnosed. Even still, stigma and lack of awareness in my community affected my well-being through school. So, at the age of 16 I took matters into my own hands and decided to use my voice for change in Tanzania. Realizing how blessed I am to have such a supportive family, I have become an outspoken advocate for diabetes in Tanzania so that those diagnosed now can have an easier time.
My Advocacy
Advocacy seeks to ensure that people, especially the vulnerable in society, are able to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them, able to defend their rights and have means for their views and wishes to genuinely be considered when decisions are being made about their lives. As health advocates, we as Pamojans are best suited to address the challenges faced by patients in the complex healthcare system by ensuring there are patient-centered interventions. I hope the skills garnered from the Pamoja Advocacy Program will elevate my advocacy work to the government policy level to achieve long lasting change for people living with type 1 diabetes in Tanzania.
My team advocacy goal for 2018 was to increase awareness of type 1 diabetes in schools and reduce the stigma related to it. To do this, my team aimed to deliver 4 presentations about type 1 diabetes in schools in the coastal region. Working with my fellow Tanzanians, I was able to reach this goal. We also made television and radio appearances to educate the public about type 1 diabetes. I continue to educate children and youth living with diabetes at various clinics in Dar es Salaam, as well as their parents and health care providers, about how to deal with and overcome social challenges they face due to their condition. Team Tanzania is spreading knowledge about diabetes to the surrounding communities.
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