On Wednesday, February 12, Stowelink Foundation proudly played a pivotal role in the Global NCD Alliance Conference’s pre-event—an all-day gathering dedicated to amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Hosted by “Our Views, Our Voices” in collaboration with its Global Advisory Committee and supported generously by Viatris, the event ran from 9 AM to 4 PM in Room MH1. This dynamic pre-conference provided a powerful platform for individuals affected by NCDs to share their stories, develop advocacy strategies, and build essential skills to drive change.

Leadership in Action: Setting the Tone for Empowerment

Stowelink Foundation’s CEO, Ogweno Stephen, and Chief Program Officer, Oduor Kevin, led the event with unwavering passion and expertise. Their opening remarks set a dynamic tone for the day, emphasizing the critical role of lived experience in shaping effective NCD advocacy. Through thoughtful introductions and interactive sessions, they fostered a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged participants to share personal insights and identify actionable strategies for change.

Empowering Voices, Shaping Policy

The pre-conference was designed to celebrate leadership and explore best practices for involving people with lived experience in the fight against NCDs. Participants engaged in a series of collaborative activities focused on:

• Community Engagement: Identifying innovative ways to ensure that the voices of those living with NCDs are heard at the grassroots level.
• Policy Influence: Addressing barriers and unlocking opportunities for active participation in policy-making and healthcare decision-making.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Building bridges between NCD advocacy and other health and development sectors to create holistic, sustainable solutions.

Building a Stronger Movement

By the end of the day, the energy was palpable—advocates left with renewed motivation, practical skills, and a clear vision to drive change in their communities and beyond. The discussions underscored the power of personal narratives in influencing systemic improvements in healthcare and NCD prevention, reaffirming the need for a truly inclusive approach to tackling these challenges.

Ogweno Stephen: Championing Change

Ogweno Stephen’s leadership at this pre-conference is a testament to Stowelink Foundation’s commitment to NCD advocacy. His relentless drive to empower people with lived experiences and promote inclusive, evidence-based health strategies is shaping a future where every voice counts in the global fight against NCDs.

Stay connected with Stowelink Foundation and Ogweno Stephen for more updates and insights as we continue to push for transformative change in the realm of NCD prevention and management. Together, we are building a healthier, more inclusive world.