Alvin Kaunda, a budding journalist, had just landed his dream job at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
He shot to fame when a baby elephant interrupted his piece-to-camera at an animal orphanage, a hilarious moment that quickly went viral.
The clip was picked up by major international news outlets, catapulting him into the limelight and inspiring him to fully pursue his passion for wildlife journalism.
“I enjoyed every bit of telling such stories. It was both fulfilling and rewarding,” says the young journalist. However, in June 2024, what initially seemed like normal fatigue from the demands of his work took a worrying turn when he developed a fever, body rash, and joint pain.
What followed was chronic pain, prompting Alvin, who was living alone at the time, to travel home to Mombasa for further medical evaluation.
During this period, his condition worsened, leading to hospitalisation as the mysterious illness gradually affected his mobility.
During a second visit to a different hospital, he was diagnosed with sepsis, a serious medical condition where the body’s response to an infection triggers widespread inflammation, potentially resulting in tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Adult Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD)
Although the diagnosis was devastating, Alvin felt a sense of relief that doctors had finally identified his illness and believed it could be treated. However, despite the initial prognosis, his condition failed to improve, leaving doctors puzzled once again.
By then, Alvin had undergone over 20 medical tests in a desperate attempt to save his life. Eventually, he was discharged to manage his symptoms at home.
During this time, his dreams, career, and love for wildlife expeditions began to fade; his only desire was to get well again. It was during one of his many outpatient visits that Alvin experienced a sudden attack.
This was a turning point, as doctors witnessed the episode firsthand and ordered a ferritin test, a blood protein that contains iron and indicates how much iron the body stores.
The test results revealed that Alvin had Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD), a rare systemic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself instead of providing protection. The disease is uncommon, affecting only about 1 in 100,000 people.
Diet Changes
Now, ten months later, Alvin, who relies on expensive treatments that include medication and regular testing to manage his overactive immune system, has been forced to make significant lifestyle changes, including a complete overhaul of his diet.
“I’m still learning about the condition. There’s no cure for Still’s disease, but it can go into remission, and there is no time frame for this,” he told KBC Digital. “As a bachelor, I used to prefer fast food because it was convenient, but that had to change.”
“Junk and processed foods are triggers for flare-ups, so I now stick to fresh ingredients and prepare my own meals, something I never imagined I’d do,” says the journalist, who lost his father to cancer just a month ago. “This condition has been a real eye-opener. The truth is, there are countless benefits to healthy eating. You don’t have to wait until you’re sick to make a change.”
“I watched my dad change his diet tremendously after being diagnosed with Esophageal cancer. Since 2019, his eating habits were completely different, and he fought the disease bravely until March 9th, 2025, when he passed away at the age of 57,” he explains.
“Living with AOSD, a non-curable condition, has completely changed my relationship with food. My diet is now part of my treatment. It helps me manage flare-ups, inflammation, and energy levels. To my peers: don’t underestimate the power of what you put on your plate. It can truly be medicine,” he continues.
Alvin, who at the time of publication was experiencing an episode, further shared insights into managing the condition while reflecting on the financial burden, which he admits ‘feels heavier than the illness itself.’
“My condition requires lifelong management with medications like methotrexate, a type of DMARD (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug), regular blood tests, doctor consultations, and at times, emergency care during flare-ups. These treatments aren’t optional; they are necessary to keep me going and to manage my pain, inflammation, fatigue, and the risks that come with a suppressed immune system. But it comes at a cost. Every hospital visit, every blood test, and every prescription add up. And because AOSD is a rare autoimmune disease, not all treatments are covered or even easily available,” he points out.
He adds, “I’m sharing this just to highlight what so many people with chronic and rare diseases face. We fight not only our symptoms but also a system that often overlooks the financial burden of being unwell. Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right. And rare conditions like AOSD deserve more awareness, better support, and more affordable treatment options.”
Although Alvin may have slowed down on his wildlife expeditions, his perspective on life has changed, and he believes every day is a gift to continue raising awareness of Still’s disease and to participate in advocacy efforts primarily focused on NCDs.
“I live more intentionally now. Every good day is a gift. My condition has taught me not to take health for granted and to prioritise balance, joy, and rest. Life may not go back to what it was before diagnosis—but it can still be full, meaningful, and impactful,” he says.
Warning Labels
While many factors can increase the risk of developing an autoimmune condition, nutrition may also influence the risk and severity of these diseases.
Concerns are growing over the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, among children and young people—conditions that were previously associated only with older adults.
In light of this situation, various stakeholders, including the church (NCCK), are advocating for the promotion of healthy eating habits through policy interventions, such as implementing Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on food products. This initiative aims to empower consumers to make more informed choices about their purchases.
“If Kenya were to adopt black octagonal warning labels on foods with high levels of nutrients linked to NCDs, it would be a step in the right direction to reduce the excessive consumption of junk food, which poses significant health risks,” notes Gideon Ogutu, a nutrition scientist and programme officer at IILA.
Their advocacy efforts are yielding results; Kenya, through the Ministry of Health, is set to launch its first Nutrition Profile Model next month.
This key document will lay the groundwork for developing regulations that require food manufacturers to display clear warning labels on the front of food packaging, informing consumers about high levels of unhealthy nutrients such as sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Additionally, regulations aimed at countering aggressive commercial marketing that targets NCD risk factors in children and young people will also be considered.
Alvin is among those who welcome this significant milestone, hopeful that one day the government will enact food policies and regulations that will save lives.
“To the food and beverage industry, I personally feel that they have a massive role to play in public health. As someone living with a non-curable disease, I rely on food not just for nutrition, but for survival. The upcoming nutrient profile model is an opportunity to raise the standard. Create products that nourish, not harm. Label them clearly. Remove harmful additives,” he appeals.
He presents another challenge to all: “We should move from marketing what is addictive to producing what is actually healing. Consumers deserve transparency, and those of us living with lifelong conditions deserve better choices. To policymakers: support access to affordable, nutritious food; it’s a basic right. And to others fighting incurable diseases—focus on what you can control, and let food be one of your tools for healing and strength.”
He signs off with a heartfelt message of encouragement to everyone navigating life with a chronic illness.
” Your condition doesn’t define you; it refines you. Take it one step at a time. There will be tough days, but you’re not alone. Your strength lies in showing up, even when it’s hard. Find a routine that works for you, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs.”
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