Introduction:

Stowelink Foundation, led by its founder and CEO Mr. Stephen Ogweno, made significant contributions at the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA). This annual gathering serves as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and brings together delegations from all member states to address global health issues. Stowelink’s active involvement at the WHA demonstrates its commitment to shaping policies and driving positive change in the field of health. In this blog post, we highlight the key presentations made by Stowelink Foundation during this esteemed event.

Day 1:

Investing In and Engaging People Living With Noncommunicable Diseases On the first day, Mr. Ogweno Stephen represented Stowelink Foundation on a panel discussing the importance of investing in and engaging people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to realize universal health coverage (UHC). Drawing from his personal experience as a person living with obesity, Ogweno shared examples and challenges of meaningful involvement of civil society organizations, youth, and individuals with NCDs in Kenya. The panel emphasized the role of these diverse voices in supporting the progressive realization of UHC. To watch the full video of this insightful panel, follow the link below.

Day 2:

Unpacking the Expansion of NCD ‘Best Buys’ and Their Investment Case Ogweno Stephen was privileged to speak on another panel that explored WHO’s appendix 3, which focuses on the expansion of NCD ‘best buys’ and their investment case. This event, organized by the NCD Alliance and Vital Strategies, aimed to discuss the implications of these policy options for national NCD prevention and control. Ogweno addressed the role of lived experience in informing priorities and the importance of community voices and actors in implementing appendix 3. The session featured other esteemed speakers, including global thought leaders from various organizations. Access the full session video below.

Day 3:

Accelerating Action on Obesity In a morning breakfast meeting on obesity, Ogweno Stephen shared his lived experience as a speaker at a side event co-organized by WHO, UNICEF, and the World Obesity Federation. The event aimed to bridge the investment gap and accelerate action on obesity. Ogweno urged attendees to take more substantial action and involve people living with NCDs in planning and implementing programs. The event focused on the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity and discussed feasible strategies to make concrete progress in combating obesity.

Day 4:

NCD Alliance Roundtable on UHC, HIV/AIDS, NCDs, and Mental Health On the final day, Ogweno Stephen was invited by the NCD Alliance to speak at a roundtable side event that addressed the intersection of UHC, HIV/AIDS, NCDs, and mental health. The roundtable aimed to raise awareness, discuss evidence-based solutions, and highlight the burden of these health issues in low- and middle-income countries. The event brought together policymakers, institutions, and communities to explore integrated approaches and outcomes from both health and economic perspectives.

Conclusion:

Stowelink Foundation’s active participation at the 76th World Health Assembly showcased its commitment to driving change in the global health landscape. Through impactful presentations and engaging discussions, Stowelink emphasized the importance of investing in people living with NCDs, expanding NCD prevention and control measures, addressing obesity, and integrating healthcare services for better health outcomes. As Stowelink continues its advocacy work, the organization remains dedicated to making a positive impact and contributing to the achievement of universal health coverage and improved well-being for all.