At the start of 2024, I declared this year’s theme: This Year I Grow. Over the past 12 months, I have experienced immense growth in my career, personal development, and contributions to global health and entrepreneurship. Each month brought significant milestones, accomplishments, and lessons. Here is a detailed reflection on the highlights that defined my 2024.
January: Starting the Year with Momentum
The year began with the launch of Season 3 of the Afropreneur Podcast, which continued to celebrate and amplify African entrepreneurial journeys. Expanding the podcast to YouTube and Spotify allowed us to reach a broader audience, sharing stories of innovation and resilience.
My work on the Kigali Cardiovascular Challenge brought me back to Rwanda, where we finalized plans to wrap up the project. This impactful initiative under Lifesten Health reached over 1.6 million people, providing education and screening for cardiovascular diseases.
On the literary front, I reviewed Sister Savior by Brittanie Richardson, an empowering book that explores themes of sisterhood and redemption. This was the first of eight books I read in 2024, setting the tone for a year of continuous learning.
February: Achieving Milestones in Advocacy and Finances
A significant personal milestone this month was paying off my student loans in full, a testament to the power of planning and perseverance.
Through Stowelink Foundation, I spearheaded advocacy training on front-of-pack labeling standards in Kenya. These workshops focused on empowering consumers to make healthier choices by understanding product labels, a critical step in reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In Rwanda, we concluded the Kigali Cardiovascular Challenge, marking a successful close to a project that impacted millions.
March: A Month of Transformative Experiences
We celebrated the conclusion of the Kigali Cardiovascular Health Challenge with a closing event in Rwanda, where we also officially launched the Lifesten Health mobile application. This app has been a game-changer in promoting health education and screenings.
One of the most profound experiences of my life happened in Dharamsala, India, where I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As part of the Dalai Lama Fellows delegation, I spent a week learning about compassion, leadership, and mindfulness. Shaking hands with the Dalai Lama and hearing his wisdom firsthand left an indelible mark on my journey.
I also published a research paper on NCDs and climate change, shedding light on how climate dynamics exacerbate the NCD burden.
Additionally, Stowelink Foundation marked World Obesity Day with impactful events, including the Global Obesity Walk and three university workshops highlighting the intersection of climate change and NCDs.
April: Driving Innovation in Digital Health
This month, we launched Season 3 of the African NCDs Champions Podcast, which provided a platform for leaders addressing NCDs across the continent to share their strategies and stories.
A user-centric product review for the Lifesten Health app brought valuable feedback, guiding the design of version 2.0. We also unveiled the Lifesten Health Workplace Wellness Program, a pioneering initiative to improve employee well-being and productivity.
May: Amplifying Global Advocacy
Representing meaningful engagement at the WHO Symposium on NCDs, I gained deeper insights into global efforts in combating these diseases.
I was honored to guest-host an NCD Alliance podcast episode, discussing the critical role of leadership in advancing health outcomes as we approach the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
To further advocacy efforts, I produced a six-part podcast series on health advocacy, featuring Kenya’s top digital health advocates.
June: Building Strategic Partnerships
I joined Amref Health Africa as a resource person for their board, contributing to strategic planning for one of Africa’s largest health organizations.
An interview with BRICS Media highlighted the state of NCDs in Africa, bringing attention to the urgent need for interventions.
During May Measurement Month, we conducted blood pressure screenings for over 14,000 people in Kenya, a significant step in addressing hypertension.
July: Expanding Global Advocacy
I hosted a Prostate Cancer Masterclass at Faraja Cancer Support Trust, focusing on holistic health for survivors.
My tobacco control advocacy work included launching the Novel Products Tobacco Use Index in Kenya and contributing to the Tobacco Control Data Initiative, which monitors industry interference.
At Stowelink Foundation, we joined Movendi International, the largest anti-alcohol movement globally, and became a full member of the World Patient Alliance, strengthening our advocacy efforts.
August: Mentorship and Acceleration
I co-created the Be Loud for Change Campaign, raising awareness about the connection between alcohol use and cancer.
Through the Tobitate Scholarship Program, I mentored 102 Japanese students, fostering cross-cultural learning and growth.
Lifesten Health achieved significant milestones, joining the NVIDIA Inception Program and the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, ranking among the top 10 startups on the continent.
September: Advancing Cancer Research and Strategy
I participated in the AWACAN-ED Summer School in Cape Town, joining Africa’s leading cancer researchers to advance knowledge and collaboration.
At Illaramatak Youth Concerns, I began leading strategy to empower youth-focused initiatives.
Additionally, I joined the Google for Startups Africa Bootcamp in Lagos, where I networked with Africa’s top entrepreneurs.
October: Global Presentations and Partnerships
In collaboration with Children for Health, we implemented a health education project in Kisumu, Kenya, focusing on water sanitation and oral health.
I presented two papers at the 6th Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference in Malta, contributing to the global health dialogue.
Graduating from the ATIM Tobacco Control Advocates Training in Ethiopia marked another milestone in my advocacy journey.
November: Leadership in Advocacy
I joined the Leadership in Advocacy and Communications Program with the World Heart Federation in Mombasa.
As a panelist at a British Council event, I discussed advancing mental health and well-being among Commonwealth Scholars.
Hosting the WHO Webinar on Childhood Overweight Reduction highlighted strategies to combat this global health challenge.
December: Showcasing African Innovation Globally
At the COMEUP Korea Summit, Lifesten Health was among the top 20 startups showcased, receiving incredible support and recognition.
Visiting the Samsung Innovation Centre and other Korean startup hubs provided invaluable insights into global innovation ecosystems.
A Year of Growth and Gratitude
From leading advocacy initiatives to fostering innovation in digital health, 2024 has been a year of unparalleled growth. Each milestone has brought invaluable lessons, reinforcing my commitment to advancing health systems and empowering communities.
As I look toward 2025, I am inspired to build on this momentum and create even greater impact.
STEPHEN OGWENO 
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