The Stowelink Foundation had an impactful presence at the First National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Conference, where we amplified youth voices, elevated lived experience champions, and presented new scientific research demonstrating the power of digital health in strengthening NCD prevention across Africa.

Showcasing Lived Experience & Youth Voices Through Our Video Series

As part of our commitment to meaningful participation, Stowelink produced a special video series from the conference, spotlighting:

• Young people actively working on NCD advocacy
• Lived experience champions sharing honest, powerful stories
• Youth-led solutions emerging across Kenya
  These videos provided a platform for authentic voices that often go unheard in national policy spaces, reinforcing our belief that young people must be at the center of Kenya’s NCD response.

Research Presentation: Evidence for Cross-Country mHealth Interventions

The Foundation’s founder, Ogweno Stephen, presented new scientific work evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of cross-country mHealth interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using the Stowelink-led NCDs 365 Project, implemented in Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, the research found that:

Key Findings

• WhatsApp is the strongest community health communication tool, with 58.6% of all engagement.
• Gender balance in health literacy, showing equitable digital reach.
• Cross-country mHealth models are scalable and effective, with no statistical difference across regions or platforms.

This evidence strengthens ongoing efforts to institutionalize digital health tools across Africa.

Conference Highlights from Stowelink

1. Putting people with lived experience at the center

Day One featured moving testimonies from people living with NCDs—voices we amplified in our video series to ensure their stories inform Kenya’s next decade of policy and action.

2. Launch of the Kenya PEN-Plus Operational Plan

A major milestone led by the Ministry of Health through PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, strengthening care for severe and chronic NCDs.

3. Best practices in community strategies

Sessions highlighted the essential role of CHPs, support groups and peer educators—aligning with our community-centered programs.

4. Technology & innovation recognized as essential

Digital tools, AI and mobile platforms—areas where Stowelink continues to lead—were emphasized as crucial to transforming NCD care.

5. Launch of the EAC Regional NCD Strategic Framework (2024–2030)

A significant advancement for East Africa, highlighting unified regional action across six national alliances. Stowelink remains committed to supporting its implementation through youth engagement, community education and digital health.

Looking Ahead

The Stowelink Foundation remains committed to:

• Centering young people and lived experience advocates
• Advancing evidence-based digital health solutions
• Strengthening community-level NCD prevention
• Supporting Kenya and the region in implementing the new EAC and national frameworks

The inaugural conference marked a powerful step forward—and we are proud to be part of shaping Kenya’s future in NCD prevention and control.

If you’d like to explore our videos, research, or programs, visit www.stowelink.com.