On February 14, 2025, Stowelink Foundation’s own Ogweno Stephen, a renowned Kenyan health advocate, took center stage at the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum. Representing Stowelink, Ogweno Stephen shared his invaluable insights on how law and data can transform non-communicable disease (NCD) policies in Kenya and across East Africa. This high-impact panel discussion, part of a broader conversation on the NCD Best Buys, highlighted the critical role of regulatory frameworks and data-driven advocacy in combating the rising tide of NCDs.

Advocating for Stronger NCD Policies Through Law and Data

During the session, Ogweno Stephen emphasized that effective NCD policies must integrate the voices of those with lived experience. Drawing on case studies from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, he showcased how robust legal interventions are making headway in tobacco control, alcohol regulation, and the management of unhealthy food policies. The panel, featuring alumni from the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer Legal Training Program, also highlighted the success of data-driven tools like the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI) dashboards. These dashboards empower policymakers across Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and South Africa to make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Stowelink’s Advocacy Priorities

Ogweno Stephen outlined several key priorities championed by Stowelink Foundation:

• Youth Participation in Policy Development: Advocating for the inclusion of young people in designing and implementing health policies to ensure that initiatives are both effective and inclusive.
• Access to Early Diagnostic Services: Pushing for annual diagnostic services for chronic diseases to be integrated into national health insurance, making early detection more accessible.
• Front-of-Pack Labeling and Unhealthy Food Advertising Restrictions: Calling for clear nutritional information on food packaging and stricter regulations on advertisements targeting children and young people.
• Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs): Urging governments to remove harmful trans fats from food products to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
• Stronger Tobacco and Alcohol Control Policies: Supporting higher taxes and stricter advertising restrictions to curb the consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

Transforming Policy into Practice

Ogweno Stephen’s participation reinforced the importance of using both legal and data-driven strategies to transform policy into tangible improvements in public health. His insights underscored that by centering the lived experiences of people affected by NCDs, policymakers can design interventions that not only address health issues but also alleviate the economic burden on healthcare systems.

Join the Movement for NCD Advocacy

As the fight against NCDs continues, Stowelink Foundation remains committed to leading the charge. Through initiatives that leverage law, data, and community engagement, advocates like Ogweno Stephen are paving the way for stronger, more inclusive health policies in Kenya and beyond. Stay connected with Ogweno Stephen, a dedicated Kenyan health advocate, for more updates on innovative NCD policies and transformative healthcare solutions.

Learn more about our advocacy efforts and join us in making a difference in the global fight against NCDs.