New York, USA , September 2025

At the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Kenyan health advocate Ogweno Stephen joined Amref Health Africa and leading global health experts for a powerful session titled “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential through Integrated NCD and Mental Health Care.” The event spotlighted the urgent need to integrate mental health into Africa’s broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) agenda , a cause Ogweno has championed for over a decade.

Representing Amref Health Kenya as a resource person to the board, Ogweno Stephen shared his insights on youth-led innovation, mental health advocacy, and community-driven approaches to NCD prevention. Drawing from his experience as the founder of Stowelink Foundation, Ogweno highlighted how empowering young people to take ownership of their health can transform the trajectory of NCDs in Africa.

The session’s objectives focused on translating global commitments into action by:

• Elevating mental health as a central pillar in Africa’s NCD response.
• Encouraging governments to increase financing and policy commitment for integrated health care.
• Amplifying youth voices in shaping inclusive mental health and NCD strategies.

Throughout the discussion, participants explored innovative approaches such as digital health tools, peer support systems, and primary health care (PHC) integration to deliver accessible and holistic care. The outcomes of the event included a continental roadmap for integrating mental health within NCD frameworks and commitments to scale youth-led, community-based models of care.

Speaking after the event, Ogweno Stephen emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors and generations:

“Africa’s youth are not just the future of health , they are the present. We must equip them with the right tools, platforms, and support systems to lead the fight against NCDs and mental health challenges.”

As a Kenyan health advocate, Ogweno Stephen’s work continues to bridge the gap between policy and lived experience. From digital storytelling campaigns to youth empowerment initiatives, his contributions reflect a deep commitment to advancing health equity in Kenya and across Africa.

The Amref@UNGA80 session reaffirmed that the path to a healthier continent lies in youth-led innovation, community-driven solutions, and stronger political will , areas where leaders like Ogweno Stephen continue to make an impact.