Salome Kwenda Agallo, fondly known as Sally, is a three-time cancer survivor and has been living with HIV since 1999. Recognized as a ‘Global Hero of Hope’ by the American Cancer Society, Sally’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and unwavering commitment to creating positive change. As a community mobilizer and advocate, she has dedicated over 20 years to healthcare initiatives, focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), poverty alleviation, and social welfare.
Sally grew up in Nairobi, rooted in Christian values and a vibrant urban environment. Diagnosed with HIV in 1999, she refused to be defined by despair, becoming an HIV trainer with MSF-Belgium. Her advocacy deepened as she faced three additional battles: cervical cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer, which led to her becoming an ostomate. Despite these trials, Sally remains defiant and hopeful, using her experiences to empower others.
Sally’s mission is to inspire hope and advocate for integrated healthcare. She provides counseling, education, and resources to HIV and cancer patients, working with over 20 support groups. As the founder of the Kenya Ostomy Association (KOA), she has created a lifeline for ostomates in Kenya, supplying ostomy bags, psychosocial support, and health education.
Her past roles include co-founding Stoma World Kenya, where she sourced and distributed colostomy bags to those in need. She has also collaborated with non-profits to deliver essential resources to underprivileged communities.
Sally acknowledges the challenges of advocacy but remains dedicated to her mission. She is expanding KOA’s reach, with plans to open a Stoma Haven in Kisamis (Ongata Rongai) to better support ostomates. She envisions a future with strong support systems for cancer and NCD patients, continuing to inspire hope and promote proactive health measures.
Sally’s journey exemplifies courage and purpose, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one can drive meaningful change.
