Connecting Across Continents at the RESULTS International Conference

“Connecting with other human beings about issues that affect human beings, you're able to relate to these issues more closely…. When you step outside of your own continent and see other people who have good will, other people who care, it's very empowering.” 

I never thought I'd go to the U.S., much less Capitol Hill. But on the last day of the RESULTS International Conference, that's exactly where I found myself. Standing in front of the Capitol dome with hundreds of other advocates, all I could think was, “This is a central place of power. Decisions are made here. And here I am, giving the human face to the vaccines issue.”

When I went back home to Kenya, I used the lessons that I learned at the conference to arrange an advocacy day and implement the RESULTS organizing model. I wanted grassroots volunteers in Kenya to feel the same sense of empowerment that I felt when I advocated in Washington. When our grassroots sat down with members of Parliament, they were well prepared to inform their MPs about the TB epidemic, explain the value of vaccines, and communicate a clear call to action. 

Just like at the International Conference, our grassroots were ready to discuss not only problems but also solutions. Later that day, an MP that we'd spoken with brought our legislative ask on tuberculosis to the floor of Parliament. This prompted discussion on the deteriorating status of health in the country. The event was so successful that the Kenyan government expanded funding for immunizations and tuberculosis.

The RESULTS International Conference was an eye opener for me. I realized that anyone and everyone can be an advocate for issues that matter. I encourage you to come to the conference this year to see the success of our efforts. Let's celebrate our incredible progress and encourage each other to keep going. 

KANCO, the Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium, is a member of the ACTION global health advocacy partnership with RESULTS.