On 4th September, attention shifted directly to the lived experiences of People Living with NCDs (PLWNCDs). Patients openly shared the barriers they face ranging from medicine stock-outs, high treatment costs, and unfriendly insurance schemes to long travel times, stigma, etc.

Despite these challenges, many participants also shared inspiring examples of resilience, including small businesses in soap making, honey production, and local food sales that help them afford treatment costs. TANCDA has supported some of these initiatives through entrepreneurship training.

The meeting marks an important milestone for Tanzania in its fight against NCDs. By bringing together policymakers, international partners, and those directly affected, Tanzania is demonstrating that the path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) must be inclusive and people-centered.

As the country prepares for the UNHLM, TANCDA remains committed to ensuring that the voices of people living with NCDs are not only heard but acted upon—in Tanzania, across Africa, and on the global stage.