Obesity is no longer a challenge of the few. It is a global crisis impacting over 1 billion people and growing rapidly in countries across the African continent. At ECO 2025 in Malaga, I joined global thought leaders in public health to reflect on how far we have come—and how far we still need to go.

This year’s congress was particularly significant. It aligned with the 20-year anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), drawing parallels between the strategies used to reduce tobacco harm and the urgent need for a similar global response on unhealthy food systems and obesogenic environments.

From a clinical lens, there was extensive discussion on emerging therapies such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are showing transformative results in weight management. But one message rang clear across the board—prevention must remain our strongest weapon.

At Stowelink Foundation, we’ve already begun this work. We’re leading community education campaigns, research into behavioral health trends, and advocacy for policies that reflect the lived experiences of African populations. ECO 2025 validated our approach: it’s not just about treatment—it’s about people, systems, and justice.

As the world prepares for the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025, I remain committed to ensuring that Africa is not just represented, but centered in the global health dialogue. The work continues—and ECO 2025 has strengthened both our resolve and our roadmap.