Dr. Gladwell Gathecha is the Head of the Division of Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry of Health, Kenya. Her work spans several critical areas, including policy development, surveillance, research and health economics. 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. 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. Dr. Gathecha also serves on the Steering Committee of the Coalition for Access to NCD Medicines. In recognition of her contribution to public health and NCD prevention and control, Dr. Gladwell Gathecha was the recipient of the inaugural Peter Da Costa Prize in 2025, recognising her leadership and contribution to advancing public health in Africa.