June 2025 | Stowelink Foundation

Stowelink Foundation is proud to share that our CEO and Founder, Ogweno Stephen, was recently featured as a guest panelist on Al Jazeera’s flagship current affairs program to discuss one of the most pressing health crises of our time: the global obesity epidemic.

The episode, titled “Can We Reverse the Obesity Epidemic?”, was moderated by journalist Stefanie Dekker and brought together an expert panel including Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a renowned endocrinologist, and Adrian Scarlett, a health-focused content creator. The discussion explored the urgent and complex drivers behind the rising global obesity burden and what meaningful solutions are needed.

A Voice from Africa, A Voice for Equity

As a global health advocate and representative of the World Obesity Federation, Ogweno Stephen brought a unique perspective to the panel. Drawing from both his personal experience living with obesity and his public health leadership at Stowelink Foundation and at the World Obesity Federation, Stephen emphasized that obesity is not simply a matter of individual choice—but a systemic crisis rooted in inequality, environment, and access.

In his remarks, he addressed:

• The role of food systems, aggressive marketing, and urbanization in shaping obesogenic environments.
• The lack of investment in prevention and early diagnosis of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries.
• The critical importance of including youth and people with lived experience in shaping obesity policy and advocacy.
• The need for rights-based, equity-focused approaches that prioritize prevention and dignity in care.

Obesity Is Not Just a Health Issue—It’s a Justice Issue

As highlighted in the discussion, more than one billion people worldwide are projected to be living with obesity by 2030, doubling the numbers from 2010. Stephen challenged the global community to shift its focus from blaming individuals to changing the systems—through better policies, clearer labeling, healthier urban planning, and access to affordable care.

Continuing the Conversation

“Obesity is not just about body weight — it’s about power, opportunity, and systems,” Stephen noted during the discussion. “To reverse this epidemic, we must change the environments that shape our choices.”

We applaud Al Jazeera for hosting such a timely and inclusive dialogue, and we are proud to see Stowelink’s leadership represented on this global platform. The work continues — and so does our fight for a healthier, more just future for all.

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Watch the full interview here