My first visit to Lusaka, Zambia, was one of both purpose and discovery. I traveled to represent the World Obesity Federation, the Stowelink Foundation, and the Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) community at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meetings for Africa (RC75) — a crucial platform where leaders across the continent gathered to discuss Africa’s next phase in health and development.

During this high-level meeting, I had the honor of presenting a statement urging African governments to take stronger, coordinated action on obesity. As someone who has lived through and now works on obesity prevention and NCD advocacy, this moment felt deeply personal. It reminded me why we must keep pushing for health systems that integrate obesity care into primary health services.

Looking Back: Advocacy and Connection

This visit wasn’t just about policy discussions. It was also about connecting cultures, sharing experiences, and learning from peers across the continent who are working tirelessly to strengthen Africa’s health systems.

As a Kenyan health advocate, I left Lusaka feeling both inspired and grounded — inspired by Africa’s progress and grounded by the realization that much more needs to be done to tackle obesity and other NCDs in our communities.

The experience reminded me that every meeting, every statement, and every connection brings us one step closer to the healthier Africa we envision.