Hellen Okelo
Kenya
International Business & Trade Student
I am a final year International Business and Trade student at the African Leadership University. I enjoy writing and research projects and my passion is to contribute towards making Africa a better place, especially for women and children.
Apart from making sure my GPA stands out, I write monthly articles for the International Activist Magazine on environmental conservation in Africa. My end goal is to create impact and live a purposeful life and serve my community.
What inspired you to enter the World NTD Day Story telling competition?
My inspiration to take part in World NTD Day Story telling competition came from a place of having witnessed many children suffer and sometimes succumb to diseases. I come from the Lake Victoria region of Kenya where factors like flooding in some regions and poverty come into play.
Why does fighting NTDs matter to you?
Fighting NTD matters to me because lives are lost at least everyday. I believe if vaccines or preventive measures can be created for pandemics like COVID-19, the same attention can be given to NTDs.
How do you intend on continuing the fight against NTDs after this competition?
I will take time to volunteer with various initiatives that aim to prevent or educate the community on ways to control the spread of such diseases.
What would be your request to your country’s leaders regarding fighting NTDs?
Leaders should definitely channel more resources towards fighting NTDs, and also come up with health systems that are inclusive to everyone despite their location or financial situation.
