Dr. Gladwell Gathecha is the Head of the Division of Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry of Health, Kenya. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery and a Master’s degree in Applied Epidemiology. A strong advocate for equitable healthcare, Dr. Gathecha is deeply committed to advancing health as a fundamental human right and ensuring access for all, especially underserved populations. In her national leadership role, she co-chairs the National Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Poverty Commission, where she drives the design and implementation of pro-poor strategies to address the growing burden of NCDs and injuries. Dr. Gathecha also serves on the Steering Committee of the Coalition for Access to NCD Medicines, contributing to global efforts to improve access to essential medicines and technologies. She has extensive experience in establishing disease surveillance systems and conducting  epidemiological research that informs public health policy and practice. In addition, she supervises postgraduate students undertaking NCD research. Through these efforts, she plays a key role in strengthening the evidence base for public health decision-making. Her work spans several critical areas, including health economics, where she has authored policy briefs. Her other interest include policy development for injury prevention and tobacco control. As a medical epidemiologist, Dr. Gathecha brings a systems-thinking approach to public health, championing integrated, data-driven, and sustainable responses to halt and reverse the rising tide of NCDs in Kenya and beyond.