Introduction:

Ogweno Stephen, an influential speaker and advocate, recently participated in a side event on obesity at the 76th World Health Assembly. Co-organized by WHO, UNICEF, and the World Obesity Federation, the event aimed to accelerate action on obesity and bridge the investment gap. With a focus on the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, the gathering brought together policy leaders, donors, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experiences to rally for a collective response to combat this emerging health crisis. In this blog post, we will delve into the key takeaways from the event, including Ogweno Stephen’s impactful message on the importance of involving people living with noncommunicable diseases in obesity prevention and management programs.

The Urgency of Action:

The event’s objectives emphasized the urgency of addressing the obesity epidemic and the need for a comprehensive whole society response. The WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity has paved the way for prioritization, feasibility, and implementation strategies, providing the framework to make concrete progress in combating obesity. Attendees were invited to collaborate and explore ways to bridge the investment gap and support collective action.

Ogweno Stephen’s Lived Experience:

As a speaker at the event, Ogweno Stephen shared his personal journey and experiences as a person living with obesity. His powerful message emphasized the need for more substantial action in tackling obesity and highlighted the importance of involving individuals with lived experiences in shaping and implementing obesity prevention and management programs. By including diverse perspectives, programs can become more effective, relevant, and impactful.

Promoting Collaboration and Collective Action:

The side event fostered collaboration among technical experts, policy leaders, donors, and advocates. It provided a platform for discussions on the global burden of obesity, the WHO Acceleration Plan, and ways in which different stakeholders can contribute to collective action. By bringing together a diverse range of voices and expertise, the event aimed to generate innovative solutions and strategies to combat the obesity epidemic.

Conclusion:

Ogweno Stephen’s participation in the side event on obesity at the 76th World Health Assembly highlighted the urgency of addressing the obesity crisis and the need for collective action. By sharing his lived experience, he underscored the importance of involving people living with noncommunicable diseases in obesity prevention and management efforts. The event served as a platform to bring together stakeholders and experts, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas to bridge the investment gap and accelerate action on obesity. By working together, we can make significant progress in combating this global health challenge.