As a passionate advocate for better public health outcomes, I am thrilled to share my journey at the inaugural Leadership in Advocacy and Communications Program by the World Heart Federation (WHF), hosted in the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya.

This training marks a significant step in my commitment to advancing cardiovascular health and non-communicable disease (NCD) advocacy in Kenya and beyond. At the Stowelink Foundation, my team and I continuously strive to use evidence-based approaches to influence policy and drive impactful health solutions. This program offers a unique opportunity to refine our strategies further.

Some key lessons I’ve gained so far include:

1. From Evidence to Influence: Advocacy isn’t just about data—it’s about translating evidence into compelling narratives and actionable strategies that resonate with policymakers and communities.
2. Strategic Partnerships: Multi-sectoral collaboration is the backbone of impactful health solutions. Building coalitions amplifies our message, ensures sustainable solutions, and fosters a unified approach.
3. SMART Objectives: Goals like introducing a tax on sugary drinks by 2025 can fund health initiatives and ensure accountability in NCD prevention.
4. Storytelling: Stories humanize data. Relatable characters and emotional appeal help make policy changes relevant to everyday lives.

This week has also emphasized the critical role of unified global action in tackling issues like air pollution and tobacco control. It’s not just about raising awareness but empowering stakeholders to act.

I’m excited to bring these insights back to the Stowelink Foundation as we strengthen our advocacy for cardiovascular health and NCD prevention. Together, let’s lead with heart for healthier futures!

Inside Ogweno Stephen’s Journey at the WHF Advocacy Training in Mombasa

This week, I had the privilege of joining the Leadership in Advocacy and Communications Program organized by the World Heart Federation in Mombasa. The experience has been nothing short of transformative, as we explore practical strategies for impactful health advocacy.

Key highlights include:

• Tackling NCDs Through Policy Action: Building awareness is important, but moving communities and policymakers to act is where real change happens. Using tools like the Ladder of Change, we’re learning to take concrete steps from awareness to policy implementation.
• Collaborating Across Sectors: Addressing air pollution or tobacco control requires engagement with diverse sectors like transportation, urban planning, and environmental protection. Health solutions need broad coalitions.
• Leveraging Old Solutions for New Challenges: Lessons like handwashing campaigns during COVID-19 remind us that impactful, evidence-based interventions can be revitalized for today’s issues.

The WHF training has also strengthened my commitment to empowering local communities. At Stowelink Foundation, we will integrate these lessons into our advocacy for equitable access to cardiovascular health care, tobacco control, and NCD prevention.

I’m inspired to use these insights to scale our impact, ensuring we translate evidence into sustainable, actionable change. Thank you, World Heart Federation, for equipping us with tools to make a difference.

#HeartHealthChampionKE #WHFAdvocacyCommunications #NCDAdvocacy