Community zone
15 February
11:35-11:55
Community Zone
Kwanele Asante
Ministerial Advisory Committee on Cancer Prevention and Control
CHAIR
Bridget McNulty
Sweet Life Diabetes Community
Dr Joseph Rukelibuga
Stroke Action Rwanda
Meeting communities where they are at: experiences from South Africa and Rwanda
This session will showcase two innovative, community-driven approaches to tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa and Rwanda. In South Africa, Sweet Life is introducing a WhatsApp-based chatbot designed to deliver accessible diabetes education in both English and isiZulu. This platform provides essential guidance on diabetes management, including dietary advice, exercise, mental health support, and patient rights, with a development process driven by meaningful participation from individuals with lived experience. In Rwanda, stroke survivors are benefiting from peer support groups and the digital application “Jm’entraine,” which assists individuals with disabilities in engaging in tailored physical activities to aid recovery. This stage session will highlight the power of technology and community engagement to enhance education, self-management, and overall quality of life for NCD patients in low-resource settings.