A monumental win for Kenyan Health Advocacy on the global stage.

We are thrilled to announce that Ogweno Stephen, a leading Kenyan health advocate and CEO of Stowelink Foundation, has been awarded the prestigious title of UHC Champion of the Year. This recognition was bestowed upon him by the Global UHC2030 Coalition during World Universal Health Coverage Day, celebrating his relentless dedication to making “Health for All” a reality.

This award is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the power of youth leadership and strategic advocacy in transforming healthcare systems across Africa.

A Legacy of Impact: Reaching Millions

The Global UHC2030 Coalition highlighted Ogweno’s extraordinary impact through the Stowelink Foundation. Under his leadership, Stowelink has become a beacon of hope in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

• Massive Reach: He has led nationwide NCD prevention programs reaching over 7 million people across 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Financial Protection: By focusing on prevention, his work is actively reducing the future financial strain of chronic diseases on families and health systems alike.

Transforming Policy at Home

Ogweno’s influence extends deeply into policy-making within Kenya, where he has achieved tangible legislative victories. Working alongside organizations like AMREF Health Africa and the NCD Alliance Kenya, he has driven policies to integrate NCDs into primary healthcare.

Key Achievement: His direct advocacy led to a vital increase in the NCD budget for Vihiga County, rising from 3% in 2021 to 8% in 2022.

Furthermore, his persistence has paid off in nutrition policy. After beginning his advocacy efforts in 2021, he successfully championed the adoption of the new Nutrient Profile Model in 2025, an achievement that has already earned him multiple Quality Health Care Kenyan Awards. These efforts are crucial in decreasing catastrophic out-of-pocket spending for Kenyan families.

A Voice on the Global Stage

Ogweno’s expertise is recognized well beyond Kenya’s borders. He currently serves in high-level global roles, including:

• WHO Global Coordinating Mechanism for NCD Labs
• WHO Guideline Development Group for GLP-1 Obesity Medications

In these capacities, he acts as a fierce champion for equity, ensuring that lifesaving medications and health strategies are accessible to those who need them most, regardless of geography or economic status.

Celebrating a Visionary

Ogweno Stephen represents the best of health leadership: locally rooted, globally connected, and action-oriented. As the UHC Champion of the Year, he continues to pave the way toward a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Congratulations to Ogweno Stephen for this well-deserved global recognition!

https://www.universalhealthcoverageday.org/uhc-champions/2025-uhc-champion-ogweno-stephen/