Community zone
14 February
14:20-14:40
Community Zone
Mohammed Seyam
Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance
CHAIR
Dr Abdul Malik
Maldives NCD Alliance
Putting people first
This session is organised and led by members of the Our Views, Our Voices Global Advisory Committee (2024-2025). Moderated by Mohammed Seyam, a youth lived experience leader, this session highlights the transformative power of lived experience in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and shaping effective solutions. Dr. Abdul Malik (Maldives) discusses the unique challenges faced by small island nations, including natural disasters, geographic isolation, and limited civil society engagement. He emphasizes the critical role of lived experience in building resilient health systems and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tendai Moyo (Zimbabwe) shares her personal journey of resilience, reflecting on how family experiences shaped her advocacy and policy work. She provides practical strategies for translating lived experience into impactful action, achieving quick advocacy wins, and maintaining perseverance in the face of adversity.