The NCD Alliance is pleased to announce that its short film ‘Combining Care to Save Lives’ has been officially selected for the 4th WHO Health for All Film Festival. It is one of 93 films selected out of more than 780 entries received.

‘Combining Care to Save Lives’ is a short documentary featuring Sally Agallo in Kenya. After losing two children shortly after their births, Sally was diagnosed with AIDS. She explains that at that time in Kenya, being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS was like a death sentence. She managed to control her illness, and the deep depression that accompanied it, with medication and positive thinking - only to later be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Today, she describes herself not as a survivor, but a warrior.

Sally’s illness moved her to share her story, because she wishes to “inspire those who may be losing hope”. This film festival presents a great opportunity for her and others to reach a wide public, with messages of hope or of urgency, raising awareness of health issues that people are experiencing around the world.

The shortlisted films are available on WHO’s YouTube channel in six playlists, one for each of the competition categories: Universal health coverage, health emergencies, better health and well-being, climate change and health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and very short films. ‘Combining Care to Save Lives’ is featured under the category of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Film topics are diverse, ranging from the trauma of war, to HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, disability, and environmental and social issues related to health. The public is encouraged to view and comment on their favourite shortlisted films and champion them on social media using the hashtag #Film4Health.

A jury of distinguished professionals, artists and activists, joined by WHO senior experts will be viewing the films in the coming weeks. This year’s festival jury is comprised of: Sharon Stone (actress from the USA); Alfonso Herrera (actor from Mexico); Ricky Kej (musician from India); Melissa Fleming (United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications); Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health from South Africa); Sherrie Silver (dance choreographer from Rwanda), Sophia Kianni (Iranian-American climate activist ); and Adelle Onyango (media personality and podcaster from Kenya).

The jurors will recommend winners to WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who will make the final decision. The winners will be announced in June. ‘Combining Care to Save Lives’ was produced by the NCD Alliance with BBC StoryWorks with the support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.