Janice Wahome
My Story
I grew up in Embu, a town 130 km northeast of Kenya's capital Nairobi. This made me aware that every day alive with type 1 diabetes is a day of giving thanks. Although it’s a difficult situation to live with, I’m grateful to have that access to medicines that I do. I know that the most vulnerable people in Kenya are significantly at risk when hit with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes. To me, advocacy means defending and safeguarding the rights of people, especially those without a voice in society. I am determined to keep raising my voice not only for myself, but for everyone who needs it. In Kenya, we need to ensure everyone has accurate meters, access to test strips and insulin, especially those who are underprivileged and have to choose between insulin and school fees.
My Advocacy
Through the Pamoja Advocacy Program, I hope to influence policies to ensure they are inclusive and cover the needs of all people living with type 1 diabetes. I am gaining skills to lobby schools and organizations for changes in policies that affect people with diabetes to ensure their well-being.
I want to be an advocate so that I can learn how to help represent others with my condition and ensure they are not denied jobs or opportunities in schools because of their condition. I want to change people's view of diabetes to show a positive side of the condition. I also want to instill confidence and help those feeling odd or out of place to accept themselves and feel as though they belong in the society.
Team Kenya’s goal for 2018 was to educate about type 1 diabetes and remove barriers to access and care for people with type 1 diabetes. To do this, we set out to deliver 6 presentations (2 in each term) in schools in Nairobi and surrounding regions. Although we have not yet achieved our goal, we have made steps in the right direction. During the annual diabetes walk, we educated those in attendance, 50% of which were students. We have also been talking to youths about how to live with diabetes, and so far it has impacted all their lives in a positive way, giving them confidence.
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