By Michael Omotosho |
Young leaders from across Nigeria gathered today for the Youth Consultative Forum to help drive the future of public health in Africa. Hosted by WHO Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and key regional partners, the event provided a platform for young innovators, health professionals, students, and advocates to directly influence high-level policy.
The primary goal of the consultation is to gather youth-driven recommendations that will shape the WHO AFRO Regional Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and the overarching Vision 2035. By integrating the lived experiences and fresh perspectives of young people, stakeholders aim to craft a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient health infrastructure across the African continent.
A Direct Seat at the Decision-Making Table
Health leaders at the forum emphasized that young people must no longer be viewed merely as recipients of policy, but as active co-architects of healthcare strategy. Presenting a decisive vision for youth engagement, Dr. Alexander Chimbaru stressed that systemic reform requires sustainable partnership with the continent’s emerging generation.
“Young people are not only beneficiaries of health policies and programmes. They are essential partners in shaping the future of health in Africa. The WHO African Region Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035 will be stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable when youth voices are at the centre,” said Dr. Chimbaru. “By investing in young people today and placing them at the heart of health decision-making, we are investing in Africa’s future. A healthier and more resilient continent depends on the leadership, innovation, and active participation of its young people.”
UN Reinforces the ‘Nothing About Youth Without Youth’ Mandate
Echoing these statements, international development partners highlighted that sustainable public health outcomes are impossible without genuine youth representation. Speaking on behalf of Mohammed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Country Representative, underscored the vital role of grassroots energy in executing large-scale health agendas.
“The United Nations firmly believes that sustainable health outcomes cannot be achieved without meaningful youth participation. The principle is simple: nothing about young people without young people,” Saeed stated. “The future of health in Africa will not be shaped only in boardrooms or policy documents. It will be shaped by the ideas, leadership, and actions of young people. Their energy, creativity, and resilience are among the continent’s greatest assets.”
Driving Priorities for a Resilient Continent
As the consultative process advances, WHO Nigeria and its partners are rallying young change-makers to remain at the forefront of driving action. The insights generated from the July 27, 2026 forum will directly feed into the draft of the WHO AFRO Strategic Plan, establishing concrete steps toward achieving Vision 2035 and securing a healthier future for millions across Africa.
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