Obesity Advocacy & Impact
From lived experience to global action—our work in obesity prevention and care spans communities, classrooms, clinics, and global health forums
24+
School Clubs Trained on Obesity
4M+
Digital reach on online campaigns
5000
Youth trained over 10 years
10
Years of advocacy and running
Our Journey: From Personal Story to Continental Impact
From childhood survivor to global champion, Ogweno Stephen and Stowelink Foundation have mobilized students, communities, and policymakers across 11 African countries to prevent, manage, and destigmatize obesity.
2016-2018
Foundation and Early Advocacy
Stowelink was founded by Ogweno Stephen, inspired by his personal journey with childhood obesity.
The MyHeart KE project was launched to explore the link between cardiovascular health and obesity. It reached over 14 schools in Nairobi and Kisumu, targeting primary and secondary students with preventive health education.
The MyHeart KE Poetry Contest engaged 200,000 youth via social media, using poetry to raise awareness about obesity and cardiovascular health.
2018
Mapping & Youth Engagement
Kibera Community Mapping: In partnership with Plan International, identified obesity risk factors among 500 adolescents.
Project FIT: 18‑month program in 4 universities using music, sports, and art—trained 120 university ambassadors.
NCD Youth Champions: Launched Kenya’s first youth‑led NCD advocacy network, training 60 lived‑experience advocates.
2019
Policy & Recognition
Food for Life & School Health: Nutrition and activity curriculum adopted by 10 schools, reaching 30,000 students.
Cycling Festival: Partnered with Jamii Sports, mobilized 1,200 cyclists for World Obesity Day.
Awards & Partnerships:
- Presented at AHAIC (Rwanda) & Africa SBCC Conference
- Won 254 Youth & Entrepreneurship Award (Health)
- Joined NCD Inter‑sectoral Coordinating Committee
2020 – 2024
Scale & Influence
NCDs 365 Campaign: Delivered daily obesity facts via 78 infographics & 8 videos—4 million+ impressions across 10 countries.
IPAB Project (Vihiga): Formed 5 community NCD groups, raised health budget from 3 % → 11 %.
Global Forums: Ochieved key speaking roles at WHO Wrocław, UNGA 76, Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Conf.
Digital Innovations:
- Launched NCDs 365 App (2,800 active users)
- Highest‑rated Udemy NCD course with obesity module (3,500+ students)
Policy Wins:
- Co‑authored Kenya’s 2 % trans fat policy draft
- Advanced front‑of‑pack labelling advocacy
Global Leadership:
Member, WHO Guideline Development Group on GLP‑1
Board member, World Obesity Federation
2025
Ongoing Momentum
4th Global NCD Alliance Forum: Presented Rwanda panel on obesity policy.
WHO‑IOC Sports & Health Initiative: Joined 25 orgs to integrate physical activity into NCD prevention.
European Congress on Obesity: Co‑chaired sessions on African obesity solutions.
What We Do
Tackling Obesity from Every Angle
Community-Based Interventions
School Health Programs: Nutrition education, physical activity drives, and school clubs
Obesity & CVD Screenings: Community health camps and mobile outreach in underserved areas
Sports + Health Activations: Cycling festivals, Githurai slum sports events, and World Obesity Day campaigns
Poetry & Music for Awareness: Engaging 200,000+ youth via online contests and creative health education
Digital & Offline Innovation
NCDs 365 App & Campaign: Daily resources, obesity tips, and infographics (4M+ reached)
Africa NCDs Champions Podcast: 3 full episodes on obesity, featured in Apple Top 10 Health Podcasts
Board Games & Courses: Obesity education made interactive via award-winning board games and the #1-rated Udemy course
20-Part Video Series: Physical activity + obesity education series launched in 2025
Policy & Global Advocacy
Trans Fats & Front-of-Pack Labeling: Technical input into Kenya’s 2% policy and active youth-led lobbying
Global Representation: Featured at WHA, UNGA, European Obesity Congress, Lancet Forums, and more
Youth Policy Inclusion: Advocating for lived experience, insurance coverage of obesity diagnostics, and stricter food marketing regulations targeting youth
Leadership Roles: Ogweno serves on the World Obesity Federation Board, WHO GLP-1s Guideline Group, and the NCD Child Governing Council
Where We Work
We have impacted communities in:
- Kenya (Primary base)
- Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
With programs reaching over:
- 60+ local organizations and university clubs
- 4 million people digitally
- 500,000+ youth in schools and slums
Partner With Us
Are you a donor, government agency, school, civil society organization, or private sector actor?
Join us in advancing obesity prevention through:
- Evidence-informed policy action
- Scalable community education
- Youth-focused engagement tools
Stowelink Foundation 