KELIN

Justice for women and girls in is more than a fundamental right—it’s a powerful tool to break cycles of violence and build lasting change. Together, we can champion a future where their safety, dignity, and well-being are non-negotiable. Let’s stand united for justice, equality, and a safer tomorrow. #16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse KELIN Allan Achesa Maleche Hortense Minishi Margaret Nyambura Nyokabi Njogu Coalition Against Sexual Violence Kenya Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) Reproductive Health Network Kenya Katiba Institute (KI) Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Kenya Kenya Human Rights Commission Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Amnesty International Kenya CREAWKenya Digital Health and Rights Project Transform Health Kenya National Land Commission Kenya Center for Reproductive Rights UN Women Afya na Haki CEHURD Uganda Akili Dada Zamara Foundation Ngina Muyanga Timothy Wafula

As we mark the #16DaysOfActivism Against Gender-Based Violence, we must address Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice affecting 4 million girls worldwide annually. In Kenya, despite progress, FGM remains a grim reality for many. FGM is more than a harmful tradition; it’s a violation of human rights, health, and dignity. The scars—both physical and emotional—last a lifetime. What can we do? ✔️ Strengthen enforcement of anti-FGM laws. ✔️ Engage and educate communities on the harms of FGM. ✔️ Support survivors with healthcare and counseling. Let’s use these 16 days to amplify this conversation. Together, we can ensure every girl lives free from violence. #16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse KELIN Allan Achesa Maleche Hortense Minishi Nyokabi Njogu Coalition Against Sexual Violence Kenya Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) Reproductive Health Network Kenya Katiba Institute (KI) Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Kenya Kenya Human Rights Commission Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Amnesty International Kenya CREAWKenya Digital Health and Rights Project Transform Health Kenya National Land Commission Kenya Center for Reproductive Rights UN Women Afya na Haki CEHURD Uganda Akili Dada Zamara Foundation Ngina Muyanga Timothy Wafula https://lnkd.in/gwPXc5Pr

As we mark the #16DaysOfActivism Against Gender-Based Violence, it’s time to confront a hidden pandemic—femicide. Over 500 women in Kenya have lost their lives to this gendered violence since 2016, yet legislative and systemic inaction persists. This year alone, we’ve seen horrifying cases, including the tragic death of Scarlet Wahu in January 2024. Despite public outcry, femicide remains unrecognized as a national crisis. Kenya has signed international treaties and adopted policies against violence, but the failure to criminalize and address femicide leaves women vulnerable. The 16 Days remind us that violence against women is not inevitable it can and must end. Use this time to amplify voices, push for justice, and demand systemic change. #16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse KELIN Allan Achesa Maleche Hortense Minishi Nyokabi Njogu Coalition Against Sexual Violence Kenya Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) Reproductive Health Network Kenya Katiba Institute (KI) Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Kenya Kenya Human Rights Commission Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Amnesty International Kenya CREAWKenya Digital Health and Rights Project Transform Health Kenya National Land Commission Kenya Center for Reproductive Rights UN Women Afya na Haki CEHURD Uganda Akili Dada Zamara Foundation Jessica oluoch Ngina Muyanga Timothy Wafula

It was such an honor to co-facilitate the Advocacy Strategies for Digital Health Justice session with my colleague Timothy Wafula as part of the Afya na Haki short course. This session brought together an incredible group of 100 participants from 20 countries: Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We shared some of the work we’ve been doing under the Digital Health Rights Project (DHRP), focusing on how to ensure digital health systems are inclusive and rights-based. One of the key points we emphasized was the need for advocacy to address structural barriers and create equitable access to digital health tools and services. As we closed, we left participants with this reminder: Digital health isn’t about technology—it’s about people and ensuring their rights are respected when rolling out digital technologies. Advocacy ensures that no one is left behind. I’m inspired by the energy and ideas shared during the session and excited for more opportunities to collaborate as we push for digital health justice across these countries and beyond. #DigitalHealthRights Cindy Kelemi Mulumba Moses Sharifah Sekalala Sara (Meg) Davis Olendo Obondo Mike Podmore Florence Riako Anam KELIN Wame Jallow Privacy International The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)Sebastian Leon-Giraldo Sarah L. Bosha

Press Briefing Update: Addressing Gaps in the Social Health Authority Transition Process This morning, KELIN , alongside our partners Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), expressed deep concern over the Social Health Authority transition process and the ongoing information gaps affecting its implementation. We urge Ministry of Health, Kenya to streamline the transition and ensure that the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) are fully upheld, guaranteeing affordable and equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans. As an organization committed to upholding human rights, KELIN remains steadfast in advocating for the respect and protection of health-related human rights for every Kenyan, including marginalized communities and people living with HIV. We believe that clear, accessible information is critical for effective healthcare delivery and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health equity. Together with our partners, we call for transparency, better communication, and a more inclusive approach to the Social Health Authority implementation process. Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) Allan Achesa Maleche Anne Ireri Margaret Nyambura Timothy Wafula Ngina Muyanga Ministry of Health, Kenya

For generations, women in the omena business have anchored our communities, braving the shores at dawn to bring this crucial food to market. These women, mothers, daughters, and leaders power our local economies, educate our children, and build resilient communities. Yet, they face significant challenges, from inadequate storage facilities and unfair pricing to social biases that limit their place in the value chain. KELIN, we are amplifying their voices, advocating for equal market opportunities, and working to secure essential infrastructure and policies that will support their livelihoods and empower them in the blue economy. This week, we are honored to welcome stakeholders, policymakers, and community champions to a two-day forum with the Lake Region Economic Bloc. Here, leaders from 14 counties will convene to drive sustainable policies for the blue economy, where all can thrive. We’re committed to promoting a rights-based approach to resource governance, one that includes the voices of women, elders, and local champions who are essential to sustainable development. Together, let’s continue to empower omena traders and build a future where women lead and flourish in Kenya’s blue economy. #WLPR #WomenInBlueEconomy #NaturalResourceRights Allan Achesa Maleche Jessica oluoch National Land Commission Kenya COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KISUMU Gladys Wanga Hassan Ali Joho

Did you know? Diabetes affects 3% of Kenyans today and is projected to reach 4.5% by 2025 with nearly 800,000 people facing this daily health challenge. The key culprit? High sugar intake from ultra-processed foods. As we celebrate World Diabetes Day, we must address the role of diet in shaping Kenya’s health. KELIN's #KulaFitiKe campaign is paving the way for healthier choices through advocacy for front-of-pack warning labels and policies restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. These steps are essential to empower consumers with the information needed to make better food choices and protect our youth from aggressive marketing of harmful products. The link between unhealthy diets and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes is undeniable. Yet, many people lack the awareness or clarity needed to make informed choices at the grocery store. Through #KulaFitiKe, we’re pushing for the policy changes Kenya needs to combat these rising health risks. Join us in this fight for a healthier Kenya! Share your meals with #KulaFitiKe and use #WekaLabelMbele to show your support for transparent labeling and #StopPredatoryMarketing to help protect our future generations. Let’s take a stand and demand healthier, informed food environments. Pauline Omoto Allan Achesa Maleche Martha Ogutu Timothy Wafula International Institute For Legislative Affairs National Council of churches of Kenya Global Health Advocacy Incubator Ministry of Health, Kenya

In Kenya, every citizen has a constitutional right to good health and access to information. Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, while Article 35 secures the right to information. These rights include having clear, accessible information about what’s in the food we consume, especially since diet is a significant factor in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. But how does this right to food information impact our health? Currently, many Kenyans find it challenging to assess the health risks of the foods they buy, as nutrition labels are often on the back or side of the package and can be complex to read and interpret. What if we had simple, visible indicators on food packaging that highlight high levels of health-risk ingredients, like sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats? This information would alert consumers upfront, enabling them to make quick, informed choices aligned with their health goals. For example, if you’re trying to reduce sugar intake to lower your risk of diabetes, seeing a “high in sugar” label immediately would help you avoid products that contribute to long-term health issues. Evidence from countries that have implemented Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) shows that consumers start choosing healthier options, and manufacturers reduce unhealthy ingredients to meet demand for health-conscious products. While consumers have the right to this information, the government must regulate food labeling to protect public health. The Constitution of Kenya mandates the government to adopt laws that promote health and prevent disease, including ensuring that food vendors provide accurate, upfront information to help consumers make informed dietary choices. The time has come for us to advocate for mandatory FOPWL in Kenya. This regulation would make it easier for all of us Kenyans to exercise our right to health and information by ensuring we have what we need to make healthier, informed choices about the food we consume. Wouldn't such a policy would protect our health and that of future generations? Let’s call on our government to implement FOPWL and help build a healthier Kenya. Join us in the campaign by sharing this with your network, reposting, and adding your voice. What are your thoughts? How would front-of-pack labeling change the way you shop for food? Share your opinions in the comments below #kulafitike #WekaLabelMbele #Ncds #diabetes #health Ministry of Health, Kenya , International Institute For Legislative Affairs KELIN NCD Alliance Kenya

Early this week, I had the pleasure to represent KELIN in the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) Special Convention on Diagnostics in Abidjan. This was an important platform to interact with National TB Managers and National Laboratory Directors from across Africa and advocate for affordable, accessible testing that reaches the underserved and vulnerable populations. Access to a quality diagnostic test remains a huge barrier to finding missing people with TB and ensuring those diagnosed receive quality care. During the convention, communities and civil society representatives mobilised under the Diagnostics Equity Consortium to call upon countries to prepare and plan for the introduction and rollout of new and innovative point-of-care and/or near point-of-care diagnostics, once out of the pipeline. I also joined discussions on how Global Fund’s NextGen Market Shaping Strategic Initiative will support the implementation of innovative approaches and mechanisms to support the planning for and the introduction and scale up of new tools in Global Fund supported countries. I appreciate the Global Fund for ensuring that civil society voices were present at the convention. At KELIN, we advocate for TB interventions that not only fight the disease but also protect patients’ rights, helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds TB. World Health Organization Sharonann Lynch KELIN  

This morning, I join the Stop TB Partnership - 2024 Global Laboratory Initiative Partners Meeting in Bali. Happy to have shared perspectives from civil society needed to close the deadly testing gap as follows: 1. There is an urgent need to improve approaches to TB screening and diagnosis, increase access to the best available TB screening and diagnostic tools, and invest in developing new tools needed to close testing gaps. The decrease in domestic funding for TB reported in the 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report is therefore a worrying trend. 2. Point of Care and Near Point of Care Diagnostics - Currently available TB diagnostic tools have limitations for access and equity (e.g. sputum-based; placed at district lab or central lab; expensive). New diagnostics are needed to address these limitations… (easily accessible samples such as tongue swabs, urine, and blood; placed at the point of care in community and primary care settings enabling same-day testing and treatment; self-sampling and self-testing etc). 3. Concerted efforts to ensure increased utilization of World Health Organization recommended rapid molecular diagnostics across the countries. The Global TB Report 2024 reports only 48% (3.9 million) of the 8.2 million people newly diagnosed with TB in 2023 were diagnosed using the WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic test. 4. Countries must prioritize developing diagnostics strategies and national essential diagnostics lists. These strategies must have milestones for achieving specific coverage levels of specific tests, looking closely at the primary healthcare level, where the largest gaps in access occur. There must be an annual review process for the national diagnostics strategy. To end diagnostics inequity and achieve people-centered care, countries, communities, and global stakeholders need to work together to close gaps and solve problems. KELIN