Comedian Awinja lands ambassadorial role with Ministry of Health

The former Papa Shirandula actress who has a massive online following of millions announced her new role with Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) on Monday, January 30.

NTDs are a group of chronic disabling infections affecting more than one billion people worldwide, mainly in Africa and mostly those living in remote rural areas, urban slums or conflict zones.

She announced her new role in an Instagram post; “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the new Brand Ambassador for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). It was such an honour to get this role the same day we are celebrating the world day for NTDs. Tuanze kazi sasa... thank you @moh_kenya for the opportunity to serve community.

According to Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the diseases are called neglected because, “compared with malaria, HIV and TB for example, they have received relatively much less funding or attention from national governments and medical and donor communities despite the vast numbers of people affected.”