At Stowelink Foundation, we believe that effective obesity prevention requires a systemic approach—one that goes beyond individual choices to address the broader forces that shape our food systems, urban environments, and healthcare policies. On March 3, during World Obesity Day, our founder and renowned Kenyan health advocate, Ogweno Stephen, delivered powerful closing remarks at an event that spotlighted the urgent need for change in how we fight obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Obesity Is More Than an Individual Issue—It’s a Systemic Challenge

Obesity is a growing crisis affecting people across all ages, economic backgrounds, and geographies. It not only increases the risk of developing NCDs such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers but also burdens our healthcare system with high costs of long-term treatment. For too long, efforts to combat obesity have focused narrowly on individual behavior, ignoring the systemic forces at play. During the panel, Ogweno Stephen emphasized that real change must come from transforming the systems that drive obesity—from food and health policies to environmental factors and societal influences.

A Comprehensive, Multi-Sectoral Approach

Our advocacy message is clear: no single intervention is enough. Instead, we need a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Improving Food Environments: Regulating ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages through better food labeling and taxation policies.
• Promoting Physical Activity: Implementing urban planning strategies that prioritize active transport and create safe spaces for exercise.
• Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Integrating obesity prevention and management into primary care, ensuring early detection and support.
• Addressing Social Determinants: Enhancing access to nutritious foods and preventive care, particularly for low-income populations.

Driving a ‘Win-Win’ for Obesity and NCDs

Our vision is that by tackling obesity, we not only reduce its direct impact but also curb the broader NCD crisis. The same policies that prevent and manage obesity have the power to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions—delivering a double benefit for public health. As the global community gears up for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM 4) of the United Nations General Assembly on NCDs and Mental Health, it is vital that obesity remains a top priority on the agenda.

Our Online Campaign: Empowering Change

In conjunction with the event, Stowelink launched an online campaign to extend the conversation beyond the conference hall. Through social media and digital storytelling, we engaged communities, policymakers, and health advocates, ensuring that the message of systemic change reached every corner of Kenya and beyond.

A Call to Action

Stowelink Foundation remains at the forefront of NCD advocacy, driven by the inspiring leadership of Ogweno Stephen, a dedicated Kenyan health advocate whose passion and lived experience continue to influence national and global health policies. We call on governments, policymakers, and communities to join us in transforming obesity prevention into a holistic, inclusive movement.

Let’s work together to build a future where health is a priority and systemic barriers to healthy living are dismantled. The time for change is now—because every life matters.

Stay connected with us for more updates on our advocacy efforts and join the movement for a healthier,