About Salome Kwenda Agallo (Sally)
Salome Agallo Kwenda, fondly and popularly known as Sally, is a three-time cancer survivor, living with HIV since 1999. Recognised by American Cancer Society as a ‘Global Hero of Hope‘. She has been through the ringer and some, and even has battle scars to show, but you would not know this by simply looking at her. Her life is a remarkable journey of overcoming the impossible, achieving triumphs and finding purpose. Sally is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on society. She is a community mobilizer and a change agent with over two decades in serving communities in healthcare particularly NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases), poverty alleviation, social welfare and so much more. We take you through her tumultuous journey.
Her Short Story
Sally grew up in Nairobi, where she was exposed to urban life and Christian values. She has liveliness and warmth that is absolutely contagious, no wonder you will find many people drawn to her. Her journey into healthcare advocacy started in 1999 when she was diagnosed with HIV. Instead of succumbing to despair, she became an HIV trainer with MSF -Belgium, spreading awareness and sharing her testimony. This marked the start of her advocacy work.
At the age of 38, she faced another life-altering diagnosis: stage II cervical cancer. After a successful hysterectomy, she thought she had overcome the worst, but three years later, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. This was followed by a diagnosis of rectal cancer, which required a colostomy. She became an ostomate, but defiant and hopeful.
Her Work Summary
These experiences profoundly shaped her mission: to inspire others to maintain hope and seek proper healthcare. She boldly continues to share her story to inspire hope, spread awareness, break the stigma and advocate for better healthcare. She particularly champions for integrated NDCs and HIV patient care.
Sally dedicates herself to supporting HIV and cancer patients. She offers counseling, education, and inspiration, collaborating with over 20 support groups/organizations. Her goal is to help individuals navigate their healthcare options and encourage preventive measures like screening.
Her passion for helping others led her to form the Kenya Ostomy Association (KOA), a charitable organization which supports ostomates in Kenya by providing resources such as ostomy bags and accessories, psychosocial support, health education and training.
Previously, she had been a co-founder, secretary and operations officer at Stoma World Kenya for over 10 years, where she pioneered sourcing and distribution of colostomy bags. She played an instrumental role in educating, counselling, supporting and distributing free colostomy bags to a spiraling number of ostomates in need.
She has also partnered with several non-profit organizations committed to improving lives in Kenyan communities through provision of food, healthcare and other material and immaterial resources. She continues to partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to support the HIV community, ostomates, cancer patients and the underprivileged.
Apart from being a founder and Managing Director of KOA which now supports a group community of over 300 ostomates and care givers,
She is the face for Online Voices running online campaign “Her Reason for Being.”
She is a Member of the UnitAid Communities Delegation Board.
She is a member of Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO).
She is a member of NCD Alliance.
She is a member of National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI)
A health promoter and volunteer for several health organizations, and many other patient groups.
She has also been involved in a score of seminars and conferences nationally, regionally and globally, earning her recognition and achievements on several counts.
Looking Ahead.
Sally acknowledges that the journey of a patient advocate is challenging but deeply fulfilling. This is however, her commitment and purpose. Sally has taken it upon herself to go around educating people about the condition.
Through her expanding non-profit organization, Kenya Ostomy Association (KOA), she now runs a program that provides ostomy bags, psychosocial support and awareness campaigns to communities. KOA’s slogan is “Better with a Bag”, and Sally’s organization is committed to helping every ostomates easily access colostomy bags and accessories to enhance their lives and continue living life courageously. KOA’s headquarter is in Kisamis (Ongata Rongai), where she plans to open a Stoma Haven to support ostomates.
She envisions a future where robust frameworks and systems support cancer patients and those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Sally is committed to continuing to share her story to inspire hope and encourage proactive health measures.
Salome Agallo Kwenda’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of advocacy. Through her work, she continues to inspire and support countless individuals, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can find purpose and make a lasting impact.
