Mexico City, Mexico — Among the world’s leading obesity researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and public health experts gathered at the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2026, one moment stood out as a milestone for Africa and the global health community.

On 16 July 2026, Ogweno Stephen, a Kenyan health advocate and public health leader, received the World Obesity Federation Emerging Leaders in Health Award., becoming the first African to earn the prestigious honour. Presented during the World Obesity Federation Awards Ceremony at ICO 2026, the award recognizes exceptional leadership, advocacy, and contributions to advancing obesity prevention, treatment, and public health.

For Kenya and the African continent, the recognition marked a historic achievement. It reflected not only Stephen’s years of advocacy but also the growing influence of African experts in shaping the future of obesity care, non-communicable diseases, and global health policy.

The recognition came just one day after Stephen was presented with a Presidential Recognition Award by the President of the World Obesity Federation in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to obesity advocacy, patient engagement, and public health across Africa. Receiving two of the federation’s highest recognitions within 24 hours underscored the international impact of his work.

From Personal Experience to Global Leadership

Long before addressing audiences on international stages, Ogweno Stephen’s journey began with lived experience.

Growing up in Kenya, he experienced childhood obesity, weight stigma, and obesity-related health challenges. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he transformed them into a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

That journey led him to establish Stowelink Foundation, a youth-led organization advancing action on non-communicable diseases, obesity prevention, nutrition, health literacy, and community health across Africa. Through research, advocacy, community programmes, and digital innovation, the organization has reached millions of people while helping shape conversations around healthier communities and stronger health systems.

His work has consistently focused on making public health understandable and accessible, ensuring that evidence translates into action within communities.

Representing Africa on the World’s Largest Obesity Stage

The International Congress on Obesity, organized by the World Obesity Federation, is recognized as the world’s leading scientific conference dedicated to obesity. Held every four years, the congress brings together thousands of experts from across the globe to share the latest research, policy developments, and innovations in obesity prevention and treatment.

Receiving the World Obesity Federation Emerging Leaders in Health Award.places Ogweno Stephen among an exceptional group of global leaders whose work is improving public health through advocacy, innovation, and systems change.

Unlike awards focused solely on scientific discovery or clinical excellence, this recognition celebrates individuals whose leadership has created meaningful impact beyond academic institutions by influencing communities, policy, and health systems.

For Stephen, that work has included championing equitable access to obesity care, contributing to international policy discussions, supporting stronger nutrition policies, and amplifying the voices of people living with obesity.

Changing the Conversation Around Obesity

Across many African countries, obesity continues to be misunderstood and is often viewed through the lens of personal responsibility rather than as a complex chronic disease influenced by biological, environmental, social, and commercial factors.

Ogweno Stephen has become one of the continent’s leading voices working to change that narrative.

His advocacy has promoted evidence-based obesity care, reduced weight stigma, strengthened health literacy, and encouraged governments to adopt policies that create healthier food environments while improving access to prevention and treatment services.

This work has positioned him as one of Africa’s most recognized public health advocates working at the intersection of obesity, non-communicable diseases, digital health, and health policy.

Strengthening Health Systems Through Innovation

Beyond advocacy, Stephen continues to invest in long-term solutions that improve population health.

Through Lifesten Health, the digital health company he co-founded, he is helping develop technology that supports preventive healthcare, early risk detection, and healthier lifestyles using artificial intelligence and behavioural science.

At the same time, Stowelink Foundation continues expanding programmes focused on childhood health, nutrition, youth leadership, health literacy, and community engagement across Kenya and the wider African region.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to building stronger health systems that prevent disease rather than simply responding to it.

A Milestone for African Public Health Leadership

The significance of the World Obesity Federation Public Health Award extends well beyond one individual.

It reflects the growing recognition that African leaders are making meaningful contributions to global health and that lived experience, combined with scientific evidence, can shape international policy and improve health outcomes.

For Ogweno Stephen, the award represents years of dedication to advancing obesity prevention, improving care for people living with obesity, and strengthening responses to non-communicable diseases.

For Africa, it serves as a reminder that the continent is not only contributing to global conversations but increasingly helping lead them.

As the global burden of obesity continues to rise, leaders capable of connecting research, policy, innovation, and community action will play an increasingly important role.

At ICO 2026 in Mexico City, the World Obesity Federation recognized one of those leaders in Ogweno Stephen.